Photo By Rick Emert | FORT CARSON, Colo. — A competitor wrestles a steer at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo...... read more read more
By Amber Martin
Garrison Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The rain didn’t stop a crowd of approximately 3,000 people from attending the 78th annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo’s opening night July 11, 2018, at the Norris-Penrose Event Center.
“Patriot Night” honored Fort Carson Soldiers and held a reception for the Fort Carson command team and their guests prior to the rodeo. At the opening ceremony the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard presented the colors while Sgt. Kayla Winslow, 4th Infantry Division band, lent her voice to the event by singing the national anthem.
“This rodeo has been around for 78 years, so it’s tradition, and the Army loves tradition because it tells us a lot about our past and really inspires us for our future,” said Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been donating a lot to help our service members and their families throughout the community. It’s really quite amazing the love they have for this community and the love they have for the military.”
Tradition continued with George and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, as they led the Oath of Enlistment for 12 future Soldiers. This is the second time that Fort Carson has conducted this ceremony at the event in the approximately 50 years it has partnered with the rodeo.
“My favorite part of the rodeo was enlisting those troopers that are coming into the Army and getting a chance to talk to them,” said George. “I can feel their trepidation and excitement of knowing what they are getting ready to join.”
Pfc. Lantz Larsen, combat medic specialist, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., was also recognized for his service during the event. Larsen is an avid steer wrestler and team roper who has won numerous competitions.
“The rodeo has been my life since I was a kid, so it was great to come back to my roots and enjoy the rodeo this evening,” said Larsen. “Being honored was a great experience. I appreciate Maj. Gen. George and Command Sgt. Maj. Metheny for having me.”
The rodeo is a four-day event which includes competition in seven standard events: bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing. Thirty-two champion cowboys and cowgirls from across the country competed for the Gold Buckle Championship.
“This is my first time at this rodeo,” said Staff Sgt. Gregory Hammond, Denver Recruiting Battalion. “It is fun to come out here and see everything. I’m looking forward to seeing some good competition.”
Makayla Hewitt and her brother Justin Hewitt, both from St. Louis, heard about the rodeo while on vacation in Colorado Springs and decided to check it out.
“This is our first rodeo,” said Makayla Hewitt. “We are excited to see the bull riding, and I really like the bronc riding and the horses. The kids on the sheep were pretty funny, too.”
The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been held every year since 1937, except during World War II. The rodeo resumed after World War II. It pays tribute to local military and their Families.
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2018 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 304802 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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