So glad to see the BFI come back to Reno and host the variety of events throughout the week of June 19th-24th. It is always nice to have it tied in with the Reno Rodeo and all of the other ropings going on within the radius of Reno. It has been a shaded past year and a half with all of the restrictions in place and it will be nice to be back in the Silver Legacy hospitality of this great event. If you haven’t made your room reservations, do so now as I’m sure it will be a full house and definitely the place you will want to stay to meet up with old friends and contestants of both the BFI and the Reno Rodeo.
Besides Reno being the place to rope, the Big Silver Arena in Fallon owned by Tommy Lee, will be hosting WSTR as well as NTR ropings. Check out ads in this issue for all the scoop.
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Congratulations to all of the kids who have made their state and national finals in the youth events. It is nice that at least this year they will be able to go and enjoy some of the events that so many of our rodeo family has enjoyed in the past.
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I am getting ready to head to Bishop, California for the Mule Days Celebration over Memorial Day Weekend with my co-hosts, Steve Kenyon and Bob Tallman. Following Mule Days will be the California High School Finals in beautiful Bishop.
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So saddened by the recent losses in our roping world. Ray Engel has passed and he was such a supporter of the BFI along with his wife Frankie. Ray’s daughter, Rayanne was a key person in the production of the BFI for many years and her folks were always there lending a helping hand. Ray also was the ramrod of the Clements Fire Department and Clements Buckaroos for many years until his eyesight limited his involvement.
Along with Ray, we lost Vernon Green, of the famed and beloved Green roping family. Vernon was a fierce competitor and a great mentor to not only his own children but to many more up and coming stars in the rodeo arena. Vernon was a hard-working and dedicated construction man and put in many long hours all week to get ready to enjoy the weekends with the family at a roping.
Another passing was that of Wally Heard. Wally was a veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. Wally roped calves as well as team roped and enjoyed competing for many years also in the National Senior Pros. He won a title in Reno at the Senior Finals at the grand age of 72 for the 68+ bracket he was in. Not too many can have the claim to fame at that age. He truly loved tie down roping.
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My Resistol is off to the Cowboy Channel for all the great coverage they have given us during this past confusing year. It is nice to tune in each night and get caught up on what has been happening in our circle of the industry.
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Look forward to seeing all of you at the Silver Legacy during the BFI. Safe travels to all in the coming months of our season and best of luck.