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Dozens
arrested in county drug sting
Launch a boat at Roger's Landing? $3,
please
Providing high-tech birthing
Police can now give heart patients the shock of
their life
Making the
rodeo run |
What goes on behind the scenes at
the St. Paul Rodeo? Take a look |
By Schellene
Clendenin from press reports
E-mail Schellene at
sclendenin@eaglenewspapers.com |
ST. PAUL — How does a a town of
about 300 people prepare for an event that will attract more than
40,000 visitors in one weekend? In a word: Volunteers.
The St. Paul Rodeo Association board of directors, volunteers that
include most of the town’s residents and help from outside the city
provide security, coordinate the schedule and ticket sales, and man
booths all in the rodeo grounds.
But that’s what’s seen. Behind the scenes are members of the board
whose families have for generations worked year-round to ensure a
smooth running rodeo. The Newberg Graphic was curious to find out
more about the hidden preparations for the event that has lasted
seven decades.
“It’s a responsibility handed down by our forefathers,” said Bill
Smith, rodeo director and president of the association. Preparation
begins the day after the rodeo is over, he added. “We work
year-round, but the two months leading up to the event is more
hectic.
“It doesn’t really stop. We all have businesses and jobs. The board
has a huge responsibility to the community and surrounding areas.”
Myriad duties face the 350 volunteers and board members. They
donate their time as secretaries, treasurers, livestock directors
and chute bosses, as well as concessions and maintenance directors,
directors in charge of the rodeo court, parking, security and Tack
Room directors.
Most of the community helps out, no matter their age. The Boy
Scouts, booster clubs and other youth groups in town provide help
with parking and clean up. The St. Paul Parrish of the Catholic
church hosts it’s annual barbecue chicken sale.
“It’s a huge effort,” Smith said.
Year-round the group implements improvements and performs upkeep on
the grounds, the center of the four-day event.
“(Board secretary) Kevin Smith never stops, he just slows down,”
Smith said. “He works at getting acts and stays in contact with
other rodeos.”
Months before the rodeo, the St. Paul City Council began
coordinating road closures, security and traffic management with the
rodeo association, said Kaye Gooding, city recorder.
“The St. Paul Market has a lot more foot traffic, as does the
Shamrock Lounge and Restaurant,” Gooding said.
Surrounding communities such as Newberg, Woodburn, Wilsonsville and
Gervais also see more visitors, Bill Smith said.
In spite of all the work, Bill Smith doesn’t anticipate many
changes in the traditional format of the rodeo. “We take great pride
in being one of the top 20 rodeos in the nation,” he said. “We don’t
want to take that for granted and let it slip away from us.” |
|
From June
29,
2005, Newberg Graphic
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