GUYMON, Okla. – Organizers of the community’s largest annual event are shining a new light on Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo.

“Those arena lights that we had were 30-plus years old, so we just upgraded to better technology,” said Ken Stonecipher, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena.

“We actually noticed when we started getting drone photos of the arena that there were some dark spots, which showed just how uneven those lights were starting to become. They were just getting worn out. They were also the old-type of lights that takes 15 minutes to warm up before the fully come on. With the LED technology that’s available today for about half as many fixtures, we have better lights, much less power consumption and will be a lot easier to control.”

With the changes to the community arena, city staff can control the lighting remotely. The plan for the upgrades came after the rodeo committee received grant money from Guymon Convention and Tourism.

“Sims Electric in Guymon donated all the labor to put those up,” Stonecipher. “It’s pretty exciting, because it’s been on our list for a while for something we need to do. When Sims stepped up to the plate and offered to install them, it seemed like something we could get done this year.

“Manny Montelongo is the owner at Sims, and they are always involved in doing stuff. They are very conscientious about giving back to the community, and it is very much appreciated.”

The updated lighting is just one of several improvements being made to the complex. Volunteers are also working to enhance the announcer’s stand and have already installed four new corrals near the campground for pickup men.

“The announcer’s stand has had two major issues,” Stonecipher said. “There have been leaks in the roof, which has caused damage on the inside. The other issue was the windows. They started out being plywood, then we got some Plexiglass ones that were removable. The problem there is the high winds in the area. We have trouble keeping them in there during storms.”

The replacements will be glass windows that swing open and latch closed. This was afforded after the placement of new bucking chutes two years ago. The city sold the old chutes, then used the proceeds to fund arena improvements, which include a reconstructed roof. The new ceiling was raised six inches on the front side to offer a steeper pitch to help shed water. The roof was replaced with a thicker gauge metal to make it more durable.

“We then reframed it,” Stonecipher said. “PTCI was just out there rewiring all the television cable and Internet cable. Sims Electric stripped out all the electrical, and they’re going to rewire all new lights. We’re also going to extend the roof of the announcer’s stand over to the VIP deck to the north, so that will all be under a roof.

“That’s all been a needed upgrade. It’s not only to stop the water intrusion, but it will also elevate the experience for our sponsors and guests that are up there.”

The new corrals will replace temporary paddocks that were put in place each year for the pickup men. Pipe was donated, and a handful of committee members were a good part of the labor force to put the fencing in place and weld it together.

“We’ve set up panels for them to make temporary corrals for years, so this just allows us to use those panels where they’re needed somewhere else and make it a little nicer for the pickup men to have a place for their horses,” Stonecipher said. “The city also put some new hydrants in to water those horses, so it’s going to be really nice for those pickup guys.

“They’re the hardest-working men at our rodeo all week, so if we can make it a little handier for them and their livestock, it’s going to be a nice addition. We’ve been able to do some work ourselves on these projects, but really we have to tip our hats to Rhodes Construction, Wilson Welding and Sims Electric for everything they’ve done to help us.”

It takes the willingness of volunteers and the assistance of supporters to pull off projects like the upgrades. Businesses, volunteers and community members make it happen.