Ted Uhrig wasn't just surprised, he said he was dumbfounded upon learning in January that the Hailey Days of the Old West rodeo was named "Rodeo of the Year," for the second consecutive year.
Uhrig, 75, was called to the podium at the Intermountain Professional Rodeo Association's banquet in January and informed that the association's cowboys and cowgirls voted the Independence Day Hailey rodeo as the circuit's best, once again.
"I was surprised because I didn't expect the award again," said Uhrig Tuesday. "I knew we had a real good, successful rodeo. Having the honor come from all the cowboys and cowgirls in the association was rewarding. I did make a little speech, but it was short. I didn't know quite what to say."
The arena director of the Hailey rodeo, Uhrig and Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club president Bill Bobbitt of Bellevue are two of the main people behind the success of the Days of the Old West rodeo.
Replying to questionnaires, the association's competitors had good reason to choose Hailey as the best of about 50 IPRA rodeos held in eastern and western Idaho each year.
"We probably run 480 contestants including the three rodeos and slack," said Uhrig. "That's probably more than anyone else. It's a good purse they're shooting for, about $40,000 that comes from entry fees and the added money from the Rangers. And we've had good crowds, between 8,000 and 9,000 over three days last year."
The Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club, organizers of the Hailey rodeo, have quite a few expenses including about $20,000 to the stock provider, Jay Hogan's Redeye Rodeo Co. of Terreton in eastern Idaho, plus the usual maintenance and upkeep at the Hailey Rodeo Arena.
Donations to the community are important, Uhrig said. From their rodeo and arena proceeds the Rangers make contributions to the Blaine County Senior Center, the Wood River Lions Club, Hailey Fire Department and Fifth District high school rodeo.
Uhrig is excited about the re-energized "Family Night," set for Monday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. to kick off the three-day 2007 Days of the Old West rodeo.
"I'm just real excited about the kids' rodeo," he said. "We're bringing in a new funny man. He'll be getting the kids involved more and having dance contests and things like that."
Rodeo slack will be July 2 at 9 a.m. The final two performances will be Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3-4, also at 7:30 p.m. at the rodeo arena.
Ted and Maxine Uhrig enjoy last year?s Days of the Old West festivities in Hailey. They?ve been married 54 years, ?to the same woman!? Ted Uhrig marvels, which is no surprise to anyone who knows Maxine. Photo by Willy Cook
