With multiple livestock producers, contestants assured to have a good draw

GOODING, Idaho – When organizers of the Gooding Pro Rodeo started looking at something to set them apart from other events of its stature, they realized one important thing.

“We knew we needed to have the kind of stock, both in the timed events and the roughstock events, that will draw the cowboys to town,” said Don Gill, manager of the fair and rodeo, the latter of which will take place Thursday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 17, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 14. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.

Gill and his posse went to work. While the rodeo has a primary stock contractor in Wyoming-based Summit Pro Rodeo, Gill brings in two other livestock producers, Korkow Rodeos and Macza Pro Rodeo, to ensure that all contestants have the best opportunity to cash in when they arrive in southern Idaho.

“This is something we’ve done since we started having multiple contractors,” Gill said. “I wanted to make sure I bought them in and paid them. We wanted to make it worth it to the stock contractors to make the trip to Gooding.”

Why is it so important?

“We know it takes a combination of great cowboys and great animals to make for big scores and fast times, so the better the stock we have, the better the rodeo we’re producing,” he said. “We want the cowboys to be in Gooding and compete for the prize money we put up.

“By doing that, we are ensuring we have the best show possible for the fans. When the fans are happy, then everybody else is happy.”

That’s because the Gooding Pro Rodeo is more than a community event; it’s a regional happening, something thousands of people look forward to each summer. They pack the stands all four nights, and they get into the action. Everyone that comes to Gooding understands what it means to be “Beer Worthy.”

The crowd is enthusiastic, whether they see a 90-point ride or a wreck in steer wrestling. The “Beer Worthy” section of fans on the west side of the arena will stand wielding signs if they think something is worthy of a cold beverage. While the cowboys and cowgirls are eager to be involved in the unique tradition, the animals are rewarded with plenty of hay, good grain and a cold drink of water when they’re done.

“In our three roughstock events last year, the winning cowboys earned their titles on animals from different livestock producers,” said Gill, helps bring in the roping calves while Summitt Pro Rodeo takes care of the steers for bulldogging and team roping. “I love that we have such a solid group of stock contractors that makes our rodeo so good.”