BIG TIMBER -- Big Timber's 2020 impromptu weekly rodeo series gained instant traction this summer and now it has even more.
Mardi Cline, who, along with her husband John Smith, launched the rodeo in July out of frustration over "watching our little community dry up" from COVID-19 regulations, announced Wednesday that they are approved through the PRCA and the County Fair Board for a 10-week summer series next year.
"We are so excited," Cline told MTN Sports in an email. "Our five PRCA rodeos this year were a huge success. Each had over 200 contestants (including) NFR qualifiers, world champions and upcoming stars who blessed our events each time. Our last rodeo set a spectator record with standing room only."
This summer's event drew an abundance of appreciation from contestants chasing paychecks in the world standings. It also drew notable attention and opportunities to showcase stock elsewhere.
"We were invited to bring some of our horses to the Yellowstone Riggin' Rally (in Darby over Labor Day Weekend) for the top 24 bareback riding contestants," Cline said. "People like (NFR rodeo announcer) Bob Tallman have reached out to congratulate us. Many peers have told us that (our efforts) are making Big Timber a preferred stop on the PRCA tour."
Cline says Big Timber's 2021 rodeo will run from June 30 - Sept. 8 at the county fairgrounds.
