Despite chilly, windy and at times rainy conditions Saturday, the bucking chutes that have been a fixture during the Brown County Rodeo and other events at the Earl Q. Wilson Arena on U.S. Highway 377 were replaced after more than 50 years of wear and tear.
“Everybody got together and wanted to do some improvements and last year the Rodeo Committee did the announcer’s stand improvements,” said Brown County Rodeo Committee Chairman Terry Edgar. “We’re trying to do some stuff around here with what money we can. We’re trying to raise some money to do it. This thing’s been here a long time, since 1964, and it needs some improvements and we’re trying to do that.”
Eight total chutes, four on each side, were removed and replaced.
“The new ones are like what you see on TV,” Edgar said. “They have crash pads, they’re built and designed to be safer for the cowboys and the cowgirls and the stock. They’re still made out of metal, but getting out of the chutes is easier. We’re trying to take care of everyone’s safety, not only the cowboys but the animals as well.”
The cost of the project is approximately $50,000.
“WW Livestock worked with us on the deal and did a little donation, but we had to pay some for it,” Edgar said. “All of our bucking chute sponsors helped put this together and make this possible, along with past Rodeo Steering Committees, everybody really. This is not just a one-time thing, have an idea and go, this has been in the works, just like the announcer’s stand. The money we raise at the Brown County Rodeo and the Ranch Rodeo and other events where we rent this arena out, goes to back to the Saturday night auction for the Youth Fair. It all works together here. You’ve got several people who’ve been wanting this for several years, so it’s all a work in progress.”
Bucking chute sponsorships are $5,000 over a 5-year span and appear during all events, including the Ranch Rodeo which will take place next weekend and the Bull Bash set for April 26.
“The sponsorships are up year round for every event,” Edgar said. “That helps both the businesses and the fair association.”