LYMAN — The rodeo events at the Pioneer Days Rodeo included multiple events last week and the finals rodeo held last Saturday, July 22, was even on the day which had been designated the National Day of the American Cowboy by the U.S. Congress.

This year’s rodeo theme, “Legends of Ranching,” The Grand Marshal for this year’s Pioneer rodeos, long time rancher Gary Rollins, is a man who can trace his livelihood from the use of horse and wagons to modern day equipment.

An true to events of this type, the rodeo committee held a royalty contest with the honors going to McKinley Covolo as queen; Traci Westerberg, Jr. queen; Abby Hooten, 1st attendant to the Jr. queen; Iva Lamb, Princess; Loraine France. 1st attendant to the Princess; Daisy Hickey, 2nd attendant to the Princess. The royalty was selected in a contest Monday night. The girls were front and center at the rodeos and also rode in the parade on Saturday.

According to rodeo chair, Joe Hickey, there was an exceptional turnout for the rodeos, they were “very successful…several thousand, most we’ve ever had.”

Hickey said, “It is so humbling to see all of the people who come out and help –caging the animals working the livestock, secretarial work and help with the pay off.” He added over 100 volunteers who help with the rodeos.

Thursday night was a night away from arena action as Brenn Hill, American singer and songwriter, performed in concert. Due to the threatening weather, Hill performed at the rodeo grounds pavilion to a packed crowd. Although the skies burst open and the rain poured coupled with marble-sized hail, the show went on. The downpour was so thick, Hickey said, you couldn’t even see the nearby houses. But the storm didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Hill or the crowd.

Friday and Saturday night were ranch rodeo time. According to Hickey, there were over 500 entries in the Friday night rodeo. The top six winners Friday night earned a slot in the finals rodeo Saturday night, which played to a “packed crowd.”

Saturday’s rodeo also featured the stock saddle bronc event and the women’ wild goat milking contest. Logan Ellis was the champion of the saddle bronc event.

This year’s All Around Cowboy was Jed Olson, and Oaklee Olson was the All-Around Cowgirl. The Novice All Around was a tie between Joni Ellis and Layni Ellis. The championship team for the women’s wild goat milking event was Annalene France, Whitley Bradshaw and Loraine France.