14232755 6/15/2010 5:14 PM Page 1

FOLSOM PRO

2010 Anniversary Edition presented by

Folsom Chamber of Commerce and The Folsom Telegraph
14232756 6/15/2010 5:25 PM Page 1

2 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

14232757 6/15/2010 5:24 PM
Welcome to the
Folsom Pro Rodeo
elcome to the 50th
W anniversary of the Fol-
som Pro Rodeo.
Wow, 50 years. We hope you
enjoy this year’s event as we
have added an exciting ele-
ment this year — a laser light
show. This show promises to
be a stunning and colorful
addition to our traditional fire-
works show in honor of the
patriotic holiday. And it’s the
only laser light show in the
entire Sacramento region over
the July 4th holiday. Enjoy.
The Folsom Chamber of
Commerce thanks the com-
munity for its continued sup-
port of this favorite family tra-
dition. Our presenting spon-
sors include Coors, Folsom
Chevrolet and Jackson
“All the news by a dam site”
Serving the community since 1856
Office: 921 Sutter St., Folsom
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri.
Web: folsomtelegraph.com
CONTACT US
General Info 985-2581
Circulation 774-7900
Managing Editor, Don Chaddock, 351-3753
Sports Editor, Matt Long
Reporter, Laura Newell
Photographer, Philip Wood
Circulation Director, Kelly R. Leibold
Group Ad Director, Suzanne Stevenson
Advertising Director, Nina Jaeger, 351-3745
Adv. Staff, Jessica Armour, Rebecca Regrut
The Folsom Telegraph is a weekly newspaper
of general circulation published every
Wednesday by Placer Community
Newspapers, Inc. Standard mail paid at
Folsom, CA. Subscriptions are $26 per year for
home delivery, $52 In County Mail per year,
and $62.40 Out of County Mail per year.
Delivery problems? If paper is not received
by 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, call 916-774-7900.
Postmaster: Send address changes to The
Telegraph, 921 Sutter St., Suite 100, Folsom,
CA 95630. USPS No. 536-940
Page 1
2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 3
“This ain’t my first
Rodeo!”
Full service, team of
Joe Gagliardi
experts for discerning
CEO, Folsom
Chamber of
clientele.
Commerce
Rancheria and their generous
support helps the Folsom Pro
Exclusively focused in
Rodeo come alive. In addition,
we have many other sponsors
Folsom & El Dorado Hills
who help make this rodeo a
success for the community. Results oriented with innovative and
Please patronize these busi-
nesses and let them know you proven techniques for getting the most
“saw them at the rodeo.”
Let’s rodeo.
out of your transaction.
Joe Gagliardi is the CEO of the Folsom
Chamber of Commerce. He can be
“Take the Market by The Horns”
reached at (916) 985-5555. Call Today for your $500* Credit!
*C.O.E. Restrictions apply
WHAT’S INSIDE
Mutton busting 4
Cattle trot through town
Williamses are grand marshals
The life of a rodeo clown
6
8
10
(916) 949-6509
Queen to be crowned
Cowboys live rodeo
11
15
Mati-Rosa@MyRealtorMRM.com
Laser light show makes debut 19
Rodeo celebrates heritage 22
Women not always welcome 26 We strive to exceed your
How are animals treated? 29
Dealership involved in town 30 expectations
Entertainment abounds 32
Your Realtor for Life!
License #01812159
www.Folsom-Sacramento-Homes.com
Henry Golden Boy rifle
to be raffled at rodeo
The Friends of the National
Rifle Association will hold a draw-
ing for a Henry Golden Boy rifle
at the Folsom Pro Rodeo running
July 2-4. Drawing tickets are $5
and the winner will be required
to pass a background check. The
rifle, valued at more than $500,
will be in a display case for view-
ing. It will have commemorative
inscription in honor of the 50th
anniversary of the Folsom Pro
Rodeo. Info: (916) 985-5555.
14232758 6/15/2010 5:23 PM Page 1

4 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

Mutton busters hang on tight

BY MATT LONG
TELEGRAPH SPORTS EDITOR

When Dylan Barri gets older,

he wants to be a bull rider.
For now, though, he prefers a
sheep.
Dylan, 5, is one of 36 young
cowboys and cowgirls who will
try their hand at mutton bust-
ing during the 50th Folsom Pro
Rodeo July 2-4 at Dan Russell
Arena.
Long one of the crowd
favorites, mutton busting is for
5 and 6-year-old boys and girls
weighing less than 55 pounds.
The participants, just like their
bull-riding elders, hold on to a
sheep for as long as possible
with prizes given out to the
top-three finishers. Dylan has
wanted to be a mutton buster
since he was 2.
“Since the first time he saw it
he’s wanted to do it,” Dylan’s
mom, Debbie, said. “He’s final-
ly old enough. What he really
wants to do is ride a bull.”
While Dylan’s dream of rid-
ing a bull will have to wait a few
more years, he’s anxious to try
out a sheep.
“I’m not going to be nerv-
ous,” Dylan said. “I think it will
be easy. I’m going to hold on to
the sides of the sheep and the
wool under the chest. I think I
can hold on for five seconds.”
Dylan’s been practicing on
his mom, as well as he neigh-
bor, Anthony, and a rocking
chair pony.
Chloe Baade, 6, tips the
scales at 42 pounds and is
looking to improve on her per-
formance from a year ago
when she competed in the
event for the first time.
“She’s all excited about it,”
her dad, Eric, said. “She didn’t
win last year, but she had a
good time. I think she might
have held on for three sec-
PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH onds.”
In the annual mutton busting competition at the Folsom Pro Rodeo, kids get to try to hold Baade has been practicing
on to a sheepish steed before being bucked off. The riders are 5 and 6 years old. According on a sheep her dad built for
to organizers, “it’s a few seconds of sheer childhood glee, apprehension and exhilaration
that ultimately end with a mouth full of dirt as ... children take their moment in the spot- • SEE MUTTON PAGE 35
light.” For more on the rodeo, visit folsomprorodeo.com.
14232759 6/15/2010 5:26 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 5

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

DRE Lic 01729220

AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES
FOR HOME BUYERS
Tax Credits Are STILL Available
Call us today for your free copy of our
“HOME BUYER’S GUIDE”
PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH

Saddle up on Sutter Street – Short Sale, REO & Foreclosure Specialist

– Investment Properties
The Cattle Drive kick-off to the Folsom Pro Rodeo gets – Ranches & Land
plenty of townsfolk involved, including Folsom Chief of
Police Sam Spiegel, seen here herding cattle down Sutter
Street during last year’s drive. The next drive is slated for
6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 1.

Wells Fargo Stagecoach rolls into town

A name synonymous with
the Old West will roll into Fol-
som for the 50th anniversary of
the rodeo.
The Wells Fargo Stagecoach,
an icon of Western films and
books, will take part in the Cat-
tle Drive at 6:30 p.m. on July 1.
In the 1860s, Wells Fargo
shelled out $1,100 each for the
stagecoaches made by the
Abbot-Downing Company of
Concord, N.H.
The 2,200-pound egg-
shaped carriages rested on
leather “thoroughbraces,” giv-
ing them a rocking motion.
Mark Twain referred to the
coach as a “cradle on wheels.”
The overland stage averaged
5 mph, changing horses every
12 miles. Our team of Buyers Specialists are experts in
Today, Wells Fargo maintains every area of Sacramento, El Dorado & Placer
20 coaches for parades and 11 Counties. Give us a call - You’ll be glad you did!
historic coaches are displayed
in museums across the nation.
~ Staff report Call Us Today: 916-241-8770
14232760 6/15/2010 5:33 PM
6 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010
Cattle make their way down Sutter Street during a previous Cattle Drive. This year’s drive is July 1 and follows the usual
route from Folsom City Lions Park, down Natoma Street and finally meandering to Sutter Street.
Cowboys drive cattle through Folsom
BY LAURA NEWELL
TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER
More than 30 longhorn cat-
tle will trot down Sutter Street
for the Folsom Pro Rodeo kick-
off celebration.
The Folsom Cattle Drive and
the Running of the Bullipedes
will be held at 6:30 p.m. on
Thursday, July 1.
“The Cattle Drive is a cele-
bration of Folsom’s past and of
Folsom’s cattle ranches,” said
Kristine Keables with the Fol-
som Chamber.
The Cattle Drive has been in
Folsom for the past eight years,
said Cattle Drive Boss Don
Langford.
Page 1
KNOW AND GO
What: Cattle Drive Kickoff
When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 1
Where: Folsom City Lions Park to
Sutter Street
Cost: Free
Info: folsomprorodeo.com
“This cattle drive literally fol-
lows the same route from the
1800s where the cattle round-
up took place to round the cat-
tle up into the train,” Langford
said. “So it’s a historic cattle
route.”
While the Cattle Drive is a
long time tradition in Folsom,
a new tradition will also be
PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH
“We are one of the only cattle drives left in
California, so it’s so important for us to keep it.”
Kris Keables, one of the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s organizers
held for the second year. website at bullipedes.org.
The running of the Bulli- “We are one of the only cat-
pedes will take place directly tle drives left in California, so
before the cattle drive. The it’s so important for us to keep
race has teams of five runners it,” Keables said.
galloping to the finish line in With Folsom’s Historic Dis-
Western-styled costumes, said trict revitalization project con-
Keables. struction work occurring on
Team members must be Sutter Street, Keables said the
connected and run together in Cattle Drive will not be
a one-mile foot race through detoured.
Old Town Folsom. “This year should be inter-
For more information on the esting because we don’t have
Bullipedes race, visit their • SEE DRIVE PAGE 36
14232761 6/15/2010 5:32 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 7

14232762 6/15/2010 5:31 PM Page 1

8 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

Williamses honored as grand marshals

Couple have been
involved in rodeo
for five decades
BY MARGARET SNIDER
TELEGRAPH CORRESPONDENT

There are people who con-

sider it important to be a vital
part of their community.
Folsom Pro Rodeo 2010
Grand Marshals Jim “Digger”
Williams and his wife, Sharon,
are those kind of people.
In 1960 they migrated from
Ohio to Folsom with a new
baby in a panel truck with
“Mike’s Laundry” painted on
the side.
“It threw oil all the way
across the United States,” Jim
said. “I was a cowboy wannabe
then.”
He immediately jumped into
action with the new rodeo,
doing whatever needed to be
done, and hasn’t stopped
since. The couple has the
memories to show for it.
In the early years, Jim said,
“I’d come home with black and
blue marks on my stomach
and Sharon would ask, ‘What
in the world is that from?’ And
I’d say, ‘That’s from wrestling
the steers!’”
Now they’ve been 50 years in
Folsom, have been married for
50 years as of last July, and this
year they will be traveling in
style in the Wells Fargo Stage-
coach, celebrating the 50th
anniversary of the rodeo.
“Digger Williams has volun-
teered and headed up the
grounds and the operations
portion of the rodeo all 50
years, not a single year that he
sat out, or that he was sick,”
said Tina Polley. “And Sharon
Williams does everything. You
can’t imagine all she does, but
she’s best known for the mut-
MARGARET SNIDER • THE TELEGRAPH ton busting, because that’s her
Jim “Digger” Williams and his wife, Sharon, take a break from working on the Dan Russell project. … Sharon and Digger
Arena to talk about their five decades of being involved with the rodeo. The Williamses will just absolutely had to be the
serve as grand marshals of the rodeo this year. • SEE WILLIAMS PAGE 36
14232763 6/17/2010 8:00 AM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 9

M’S
FOLSO OT
NEW H T
SPO

Open 4:30pm
Tuesday-Sunday
PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH
Sutter Street
Parade helps kick off rodeo S teakHousE
Following the Cattle Drive at 6:30 p.m., July 1, there is a
parade featuring local equestrians, The Painted Ladies per- Serving USDA Prime Beef
formers, nonprofit organizations and more. The parade fol-
lows the Cattle Drive route from Folsom City Lions Park,
down Natoma Street and ending up on Sutter Street. • Patio Seating
• Garage Parking
Silver strike is on at Dan Russell • Locally Owned
Kids can dig for silver tossed into the arena and
youths in the audience will be
• Full Bar
at Folsom Pro Rodeo
Youths will have the oppor-
turned loose to find their for-
tune. • Banquet Facility
tunity to “strike it rich” at the The action takes place prior
Folsom Pro Rodeo, July 2-4, to the grand entry at 8:15 p.m.
during the Silver Dollar Coin
Dig.
For information regarding the
Folsom Pro Rodeo, call the Fol- 604 Sutter Street • Folsom
Each night of the rodeo, $100 som Chamber of Commerce at
in silver dollar coins provided
by Tri Counties Bank will be
(916) 985-5555 or visit the web-
site at folsomprorodeo.com.
Reservations Sun. – Tues/Wed/Thurs.
916-351-9100
FolsomTelegraph.com www.sutterstreetsteakhouse.com
14232764 6/15/2010 5:30 PM Page 1

10 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

COURTESY • THE TELEGRAPH

Father-son rodeo clown duo Cliff “Hollywood” Harris, left, and Brinson “Boogerhead” James will be part of the entertain-
ment at this year’s Folsom Pro Rodeo.

Father-son rodeo clowns return to Folsom

BY ERIC LAUGHLIN
TELEGRAPH CORRESPONDENT
Rodeo Clown Cliff “Holly-
wood” Harris is happy to be
living the life he’d always
dreamed of as a kid.
The 49-year-old Florida resi-
dent has for decades made a
comfortable living performing
as a rodeo funnyman. And in
the past few years, he’s even
had the honor to have his 16-
year-old son Brinson “Booger-
head” James join him on the
road, where the duo partici-
pate in as many as 50 engage-
ments each year.
Like last year, the father-son
TEARS OF A CLOWN
Cliff Harris has been injured
many times during his 29
years as a rodeo clown.
• Broke leg twice
• Dislocated shoulder many times
• Broke collarbone
• Broke ankle
• Broke arm twice
• Often receives cuts and bruises
comedy act will grace the are-
na at the Folsom Pro Rodeo,
performing in three shows a
night.
Though the elder Harris got
his start as a bullfighting clown
“I started making a living as a bullfighter, but
eventually found that you can make more money and
not risk your life by being on the comedy side.”
Cliff Harris, professional rodeo clown
being on the comedy side.”
— age, risk and financial rea-
sons led him toward the come- But it was comedy, after all,
dy side of the occupation. that was in Harris’ blood from
“There are basically two his days as a youngster in
types of rodeo clowns,” he Texas. He grew up admiring
said. “There are bullfighters physical comics like Red Skel-
and funnymen or barrel men. I ton, Don Knotts and the Three
started making a living as a Stooges.
bullfighter, but eventually “The rodeo clown on a
found that you can make more microphone really can make
money and not risk your life by • SEE CLOWN PAGE 37
14232765 6/15/2010 5:29 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 11

Folsom Pro Rodeo queen to be crowned July 2

ROBERTA LONG • COURTESY TO THE TELEGRAPH
The contestants for the
50th annual Folsom Pro
Rodeo queen are, from left,
Brittany Jo Young, Haley
Gibson, 2009 rodeo queen
Britan Thomas, Kira Stell-
macher and Meryll Ander-
son. Thomas will hand over
the crown to the new
queen at the beginning of
the rodeo on July 2. This is
the second year of the con-
test after a multiple-year
hiatus. “We’ve just been
thrilled both years with the
quality of contestants,” said
Marcia Durst, event organ-
izer. The contest was held
in early June and the con-
testants will be making sev-
eral appearances around
Folsom, including the Cat-
tle Drive.
14232766 6/17/2010 8:10 AM Page 1

12 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

BEER AND WINE

Ovre 50 Varieties
of European Beer
5 Beers on Tap

in Folsom
25%
OFF
All Retail Bottles

OPEN
Mon - Thu 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 12:00am
WE HAVE
Saturday 2:00pm - 12:00am
Wne Tasting
Sunday 2:00pm -8:00pm
Artisan Cheeses
& Cured Meats
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK
727 Sutter Street, Suite #B •
www.thecellarwinebar.com Historic Folsom • 916.293.9332

#1 Italian Come in and visit

our warm family
Restaurant environment and
in Folsom experience our
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Now Offering Italian
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with
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Family Owned and Operated

New Hours:
Tues.-Thurs. 11am-10pm
Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm
983-5181
Come join us
Sunday 11am-10pm 2700 E. Bidwell, Suite 700
in Broadstone Center next to Ruby Tuesday.
14232767 6/17/2010 8:13 AM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 13

Check us out at
www.theacorncafe.com
Mention
Buy one
entreé w/
“Rodeo Special!”
and Get A FREE
purchase of
2 beverages
Soft Drink With Any in Folsom
Meal Purchased.
get one Dine-in or Take-out.
entreé Free July 2 & 3.
Offer expires 7/31/10. Up to $8.00 off. Not
valid with any other coupons or discounts. Closed Sunday, July 4th
HOURS:
2 FOLSOM LOCATIONS 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2525 Iron Point Road
916.817.6580
916 985-8909
OPEN
49 Natoma St., Folsom
1009 E. Bidwell Street 24/7 (Located at Wales & Natoma, across from City Hall)

916.983.3643 www.theacorncafe.com

r m W e a t h er
New Location in the
Voted Style Wa i s t r o
Gaslight Building Magazine’s # 1
at t h e B
Balcony Bistro Thai Restaurant Same Owner, Same Chef
For Nine Years!!
Now Open Fresh, seasonal quality food at
Bringing Back Happy Hour!
affordable prices. Over 200 wines
Come enjoy Breakfast, Lunch or and fantastic cocktails.
Dinner on our new bigger balcony!
Rodeo Special $2 Draft Coors Light
10% OFF
BBQ on the Balcony Thurs., Fri., Sat. Any
Wine Specials Purchase
718 Sutter Street With this offer. Expires 7/31/10

Broadstone Marketplace
Folsom 2770 East Bidwell
Call for Reservations 1004 E. Bidwell St., Folsom
916-984-8988 916-984-7500
916-353-0733 (Located across from Bel Air) www.bidwellstreetbistro.com
14232768 6/17/2010 8:11 AM Page 1

14 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

Celebrate at Islands and enjoy two

FREE kids meals with the
purchase of an adult entree.

Valid at Islands Folsom, 2455 Iron Point Road, 916-983-4092

Roseville, 1902 Taylor Road, 916-772-5044

Offer valid only on 7/4/10. One adult entree must be purchased for every two free kids meals. Valid only at Islands
Folsom location. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Kids meals and appetizers do not qualify as entrees. Offer
subject to change without notice. No cash value. ©2010 Islands Restaurants, L.P.
14232769 6/15/2010 5:33 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 15

PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH

With so many events at the Folsom Pro Rodeo, including roping and bronc riding, there are plenty of activities to keep folks
entertained. For the rodeo newcomer, some of the events can be confusing but there are rules.

Rodeo 101: Know your events

Rodeo cowboys live the
sport.
A professional cowboy does-
n’t get paid to compete. He
pays for that privilege. He
doesn’t travel in luxury and
usually spends hours driving
from event to event. If he wins
his event, he will likely earn the
amount of money equal to the
cost of getting to the Folsom
Pro Rodeo.
Rodeo is the only sport in
the world that was developed
from a job. In the Old West,
cowboys from different ranch-
es challenged each other on
who could do their work faster
and more efficiently.
The seven events in profes-
sional rodeo remain true to
their origins. All sanctioned
Professional Rodeo Cowboy
Association rodeos have these
events, such as the popular
bull and bronc riding, steer
wrestling, barrel racing, sad-
dle-bronc riding, calf roping
and team roping.
At the Folsom Pro Rodeo, set
for July 2-4, cowboys compete
in timed events — street
wrestling, calf roping and team
roping — at 7 p.m. followed by
grand entry at 8:15 p.m. Fol-
lowing the grand entry are the
riding events, including bull
riding, bareback riding, saddle
bronc riding, barrel racing and
of course, the popular mutton
busting.
There are specific rules for
each competition. Here is a
brief summary about the
events.
Bull riding
While most of the rodeo
events have roots in ranch
work, bull riding evolved from
the cowboy’s fearless and per-
haps foolhardy nature. With
those massive horns and pure
attitude, it’s easy to see bull
riding is the most dangerous
sport in rodeo. A bull bucks
differently than a horse, so the
rider must be prepared for a
downward thrust that could
throw him over the animal’s
head. The surprisingly agile
bull, which weighs about 2,000
pounds, often spins as he
bucks. Bull riders ride only
with a flat-braided rope pulled
tight around the bull and
across their gloved riding
hand. The rider uses his free
arm and body to counter the
bull’s spins and lunges, while
spurring with his feet. For a
• SEE EVENTS PAGE 16
14232770 6/15/2010 5:22 PM Page 1
16 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010
EVENTS: Speed, strength put to test in steer wrestling competition
continued from 15
qualified ride, the rider must
hold onto the rope and not
touch the ground or any part
of the bull with his free hand or
arm for eight seconds. If even
his hand brushes the animal,
he is disqualified. Extra points
are awarded for spurring and
turning out the toes. The ath-
letic performance of both the
cowboy and the bull deter-
mines the score.
Steer wrestling
Speed and strength are test-
ed in steer wrestling. This
event is the quickest in rodeo
and lasts three to five seconds.
The steer wrestler, or “bulldog-
ger,” begins his run behind a
barrier with his “hazer,” a sec-
ond cowboy who keeps the
steer from veering away from
the wrestler. The two chase the
steer until the wrestler is in
position to jump off his horse
and on to the racing steer. He
hooks his right arm around the
steer’s right horn and grasps
the left horn in his left hand
and then digs in his heels deep
in the dirt to use leverage to
bring down the steer. To put it
in perspective, the cowboy and
steer are usually moving at
about 30 mph and the steer
generally weighs at least twice
as much as the cowboy. It’s
easy to see the challenge here.
The winner is determined by
the fastest time.
Barrel racing
Women’s barrel racing is an
important part of the rugged
sport of professional rodeo.
The clock is the one and only
judge of this contest. A rider
must run barrels in a cloverleaf
pattern starting at either side
of the pattern. The distance
between the barrels varies with
the size of the arena. The barrel
racer is allowed a running start
and is timed with an electron-
ic timer. The rider is disquali-
fied if the pattern is incorrectly
run. Any time less than 17 sec-
onds is considered to be excel-
lent. In barrel racing, the coor-
dination between horse and
rider is crucial.
Saddle bronc riding
This is the classic event of
the rodeo. It requires the bal-
ance of a gymnast, the timing
of a springboard diver and the
grace of a dancer — all aboard
a 1,200 pound twisting, pitch-
ing horse. For a qualified ride,
a saddle bronc rider’s feet must
touch the horse’s shoulders on
the first jump out of the chute.
The rider, gripping a thick rein
attached to the horse’s halter,
attempts to place his feet over
the horse’s shoulders a split
second before the animal’s feet
strike the ground. As the horse
bucks, the rider bends his
knees and finishes his spurring
stroke near the “cantle” (back
of the saddle) then snaps his
feet back to the horse’s shoul-
ders as the animal’s front feet
hit the ground. Unlike bare-
back riding, the cowboy is aim-
ing for a “fluid” ride in tune
with the horse and he’s pre-
vented from touching the
horse with his free hand. The
event is judged by both time
and physical performance of
both horse and rider.
Bareback riding
To get an idea of the strength
required in bareback riding,
imagine riding a jackhammer
as if it were a pogo stick, hold-
ing on with only one hand.
This event is considered the
most demanding. Riders grasp
a “rigging,” a handhold made
of leather, which is secured to
the horse with a cinch. After
the initial jump out of the
chute, the cowboy pulls his
spurs up the horse’s neck and
shoulders until the spurs are
nearly touching the rigging. A
bareback rider is judged on his
spurring technique and how
• SEE EVENTS PAGE 18
14232771 6/15/2010 5:47 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 17

14232772 6/15/2010 5:46 PM
18 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010
Chuck wagon races will add some excitement to this year’s Folsom Pro Rodeo.
EVENTS: Two-person roping is the only true pro rodeo team event
continued from 16
far he leans back to take what-
ever happens during his ride.
Tie-down roping
One of the oldest events in
rodeo, tie-down roping, dates
back to the Old West when
ranch hands used to chase
down sick or injured calves
and immobilized them for
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treatment. After giving the calf
a predetermined head start,
the horse and rider give chase.
When the rider lassos the calf,
he dismounts, runs to the calf
and ties any three legs togeth-
er using a “pigging string.”
When the roper has completed
his tie, he throws his hands in
the air as a signal to timers. He
then remounts his horse and
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rides toward the calf making
the rope slack. The calf must
remain tied for six seconds
after the rope is slack or the
cowboy will receive “no time.”
Team roping
This is the only true team
event in professional rodeo.
One cowboy, the header, waits
behind a barrier until the steer
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has taken its head start. He
must rope the steer around
one horn, two horns or around
the neck. The heeler follows
the header by roping the
steer’s hind feet. Catching only
one foot with the rope results
in a five-second penalty. This is
a timed event.
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14232773 6/17/2010 8:24 AM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 19

Laser show to highlight fireworks display

BY LAURA NEWELL
TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER
An explosive display from
fountains and comets to flame
columns will help celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the
Folsom Pro Rodeo.
This year, the first-ever area
laser light show combined
with an explosive firework dis-
play will take place during the
Fourth of July weekend at the
rodeo.
“We are really excited about
it,” said Marcia Durst, event
organizer. “We have always
had firework shows, but this is
a new element to bring to the
rodeo.”
The show was created by
Nu-Salt Laser Light Shows
International, a pioneer in the
laser light show industry with
more than 28 years experience.
“We wanted something very
special for our rodeo fans in
celebration of this wonderful
milestone,” said Joe Gagliardi,
CEO of the Folsom Chamber
of Commerce and presenter of
the annual rodeo.
Previously, Nu-Salt Laser
Light Shows International has
worked with clients including
ESPN, The Grammys, Warner
Brothers, Bill Graham Pre-
sents, Fox and MTV.
The rodeo arena will come
alive with color and music by
utilizing modern solid-state
laser technology, according to
organizers.
“It’s a new technology so it’s
going to be visually appealing,”
Durst said. “There is nobody
else in Sacramento doing a COURTESY • THE TELEGRAPH
firework and laser show, so it A laser light show, a first for the Folsom Pro Rodeo, will light
gives the audience something up the night sky over the Fourth of July weekend. The annu-
unique.” al fireworks display will also be going on at the same time.
Pyro Spectacular will pres-
ent the fireworks show to the Salt Lake City. was in the four-figure range.
Folsom Pro Rodeo. The com- “It’s a significant investment, The laser light and fireworks
pany is known for its display of but it’s absolutely worth it,” show will occur each evening
fireworks at the Olympics in Durst said. She said the cost of the rodeo, July 2-4.

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20 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010 2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 21

14232774 6/16/2010 5:20 PM Page 1

20 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010 2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 21

14232776 6/15/2010 5:43 PM Page 1

22 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

Rodeo celebrates city’s Western heritage

BY ROBERTA LONG
SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAPH

Today’s Folsom Pro Rodeo is

a spectacular three-night show
highlighting a way of life that is
part of the city’s heritage.
But, at the time of the first
rodeo in 1960, Folsom was a
“cowtown” in the best sense of
the word.
The city was the commercial
hub for the many dairy and
beef cattle ranches in the sur-
rounding area. The ranching
families mainly came from
those who settled here during
the Gold Rush. The land was
too rocky and the soil too poor
for farming, but the large
expanses of open land suited
cattle raising, and the ranches
were handed down from gen-
eration to generation.
At the same time, the city
was beginning to change and
grow. Folsom Dam was com-
pleted four years earlier, creat-
ing a recreational draw for peo-
ple who wanted to live and
work near the lake.
The first rodeo was a small
community affair, part of the
larger one-day Fourth of July
celebration. Madeleine Mose-
ley, who worked as a cashier at
Lucky’s Market and was a
member of the chamber
board, thinks it was Jay Fan-
ning who first threw out the
idea of a rodeo event on the
Fourth of July at a board meet-
ing. Jay owned the Chevron gas
station on East Bidwell and he
was a rider. In 1966, he and his
employee, Glen Guthrie, were
in the Folsom Rodeo.
On June 28, 1960, the Folsom
Telegraph reported, “The
Chamber of Commerce,
Rotary Club and Fire Depart-
ment of Folsom, together with
the local merchants, are plan-
ning a truly Old-Fashioned
Fourth of July this year with
plenty of fireworks, patriotic
observances and many unusu-
al events.” Tucker & Son FOLSOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • COURTESY TO THE TELEGRAPH
Chevrolet Co., at the corner of Rodeo legend Cotton Rosser, seen here in an early undated Folsom Pro Rodeo photo, was
Greenback and Auburn Road, inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1995. He owns the Flying U Rodeo Company
• SEE HERITAGE PAGE 24 and supplies the stock for the Folsom Pro Rodeo.
14232777 6/16/2010 4:36 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 23

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14232778 6/16/2010 4:12 PM Page 1

24 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

HERITAGE: Dan Russell built arena that was later named after him
continued from 22
was the sponsor. Wendell
“Wendy” Tucker was a mem-
ber of the Folsom Chamber of
Commerce.
One of the “many unusual
events” was the rodeo, under
the direction of Don Bird, pres-
ident of the Folsom Chamber
of Commerce. It was held in
the Folsom City Park.
Tickets were not pre-sold at
that first rodeo. On the Fourth
of July Madeleine took her card
table to the park and sold tick-
ets on the spot.
Robert Creasy, who was
manager at Sterling Lumber
(later Folsom Lumber) and
also a chamber director, recalls
using the company lift truck to
move bleachers from the high
school to Stafford Street. Ray
Hicks, from Auburn, supplied
the stock for the rodeo. A snow
fence was put up to separate
the animals from the specta- PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH
tors. The crowd at the Folsom Pro Rodeo gets into the action. With so many events, including
Jim “Digger” Williams, this roping and bronc riding, there are plenty of activities to keep folks entertained. The first
year’s grand marshal, along rodeo in 1960 reported attendance at 15,000.
with his wife, Sharon, was
there that first year. Digger and a crowd estimated at 15,000. Rotary fed more than 2,000 the many hours of hard, volun-
Sharon had just arrived in Fol- The Western theme had people at their barbecue. teer work involved.”
som that May, and Digger went actually started with Pioneer Orville Wegat, then publisher He described Folsom as a
to work for Sterling Lumber. Days, which took place June of the Folsom Telegraph, was “strapped-for-money-town,”
“There was a group of guys 17-19 in 1960. Pioneer Days parade chairman. but that year the city had com-
who met in the morning at the had been the big community Harold “Butch” Powers, for- missioned a survey that point-
coffee shop in the bowling event in Folsom since the mer Lt. Governor of California, ed to tourism as the city’s
alley,” he said. “They were talk- 1940s. was grand marshal in the mile- biggest asset. His daughter,
ing about a rodeo and I got Jack Kipp had been elected long parade that went on Sut- Patty Beneto Johnson, said,
excited because I had traveled Mayor of Folsom in April, and ter Street. The Columbia Vol- “Dad loved rodeos and he
on weekends with my boss to get everyone in the mood he unteer Fire Department loved making money for
back in Ohio who was a bull made a proclamation requir- entered its 1852 Hunneman organizations.”
rider. I helped him out. I loved ing “all citizens to wear West- Hand Pumper, the “Papeete,” With that mission, Steve
rodeos, so I volunteered to ern garb during the days pre- in the parade. The crowd that Beneto went to work making
hold the fence where it was ceding and during the gala day was estimated at 30,000. the Folsom Rodeo the premier
tied together by a wire to let events.” That year Steve Beneto, who event it is today.
the riders in and out. We were He decreed, “Those not in came to be known as “Mr. In 1962, the rodeo moved
lucky that none of the bulls Western attire will be able to Rodeo,” began a 30-year career down the hill from the City
tried to get out.” buy Non-Conformer Cards as manager of the Folsom Park and cattleman Dan Rus-
The Folsom Rotary Club had from the Junior Chamber of Rodeo. Beneto had moved to sell built a real arena that was
a big barbecue and the 724th Commerce or Lions Club.” Folsom in 1958 to open an eventually named after him.
Air Force Band played. The In 1961, the Fourth of July A&W Restaurant. His back- But that’s a story for another
Lions Club took care of park- activities included a firefight- ground included black- day, along with many more.
ing. City administrator Tom ing demonstration and fire- smithing, grocery sales, meat- One thing that has not
Llewellyn secured the neces- works. Don Bird was chairman packing sales, music and changed is that the rodeo is
sary permits. Ronnie Burnett, again. Moseley had help sell- restaurant work. always held on the Fourth of
from the Folsom Volunteer Fire ing tickets from the chamber An article in The Gaslight July. It’s “Where the West Came
Department, supervised the secretary, who brought anoth- from June 1991 stated, “He and Stayed,” as the slogan
fireworks. The Folsom Police er card table. took over the embryonic rodeo goes.
handled crowd control. The Mayor Jack Kipp and his co- from Mr. Wendy Tucker, who
entire festivities that day drew workers from the Folsom was unable to find the time for Rich Fiutko contributed to this story.
14232779 6/16/2010 4:30 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 25

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14232780 6/16/2010 4:28 PM Page 1

26 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH

A rider is thrown by a bucking bronc. The early rodeo was a rough-and-tumble “man’s” area, according to a former Tele-
graph editor.

Folsom Pro Rodeo, you’ve come a long way

BY KRISTINE ANGELL-KEABLES
SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAPH
Ah, rodeo — a Folsom tradi-
tion for 50 years.
In 1980 as a fresh-out-of-col-
lege journalist in a world wait-
ing to be photographed, it
promised excitement in con-
trast to pictures of honor roll
students and city council
meetings for the Folsom Tele-
graph.
It was also my introduction
to the cattle “prod,” which in
those days consisted of a stick
operated by a simple D battery
and used to entice the thick-
skinned bulls into the chutes.
As I muscled my way for that
perfect shot of the cowboy get-
ting seated for his ride, I felt a
sudden shock in my right thigh
delivered by then stock-con-
tractor Dan Russell Sr. He
decided that one, I was in the
way, and two, it would be pret-
ty funny to see my reaction.
So, I jumped — pretty high I
was told— although the shock
issued by those sticks is no
greater than being zapped by a
common electric fence. And
although I replied with a “look
of death,” it was clear that Rus-
sell was making a point. He’d
tolerate my presence, but in
those days, rodeo was very
much a male-dominated are-
na.
In those days, there was a
bull named “King Tut,” a bull
widely known for his nasty
attitude. If King Tut was in the
chute waiting to be ridden, the
call would go out, “It’s Tut.”
There would be a heightened
sense of danger and everyone,
especially the officials on the
arena floor, would immediate-
ly leap for a fence to see which
way the bull would spin to
• SEE MEMORIES PAGE 27
14232781 6/16/2010 4:28 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 27

MEMORIES: Early morning TV news shows presented challenges

continued from 26
dislodge his rider. Because
after that happened, this bull
would whirl around and seek
out someone to attack with a
mean gleam in his eye. Once,
he climbed out of the chute to
the decking behind and I have
never seen so many cowboys
move so fast as they jumped in
all directions. Fortunately, I was
safely upstairs in the announc-
er’s booth — although I’m sure
with the right motivation, that
bull would have climbed those
stairs.
After my career at the Tele-
graph, I decided to help pro-
mote the rodeo with “fresh”
ideas which didn’t always work
as planned.
A certain early TV morning
show always was a challenge.
Providing excitement at sun-
rise in an empty arena can be
difficult. We’ve had sleepy
rodeo clowns, a few of my
neighbor’s children singing
rodeo songs, members of the
Painted Ladies and others
enticed with doughnuts and
caffeine to help create an
atmosphere of excitement.
For an early morning TV
show, we once staged a bull
riding exhibition. After the
bulls exploded from the chutes
with cowboys quickly drop-
ping to the ground, we discov-
ered someone had forgotten to
close the arena gate. The bulls
quickly discovered freedom
and galloped out into the soc-
cer field kicking their heels in
the air showing complete hap-
piness. Of course, this required
scrambling of cowboys to
jump on their horses and
attempt to herd (not an easy
task with bulls) them back to
the pens. The bulls luckily were
so happy with the nice green
grass of the soccer field that
they didn’t wander into the
nearby neighborhoods. But at
the same time, they were not
very eager to leave the field.
And bulls, unlike the docile
steers used in the cattle drive,
don’t respond well to “get
along little doggie,” or any oth-
er such enticement. And when
roped, a massive bull can
refuse to move — and no one
— not cowboy or horse — can
force them. Lesson learned.
Shut the gate.
One of the favorite events at
the rodeo has been mutton
busting. So, we contacted a
soon-to-be mutton buster to
be on that very early 6 a.m.
morning show. We hustled
sheep into a chute (not such
an easy task as sheep are stub-
born and can simply dig their
heels in the dirt). The little boy,
all decked out in his western
finest, lasted about 2 seconds
on the sheep. He decided then
and there that there was NO
way he was going to do that
again — much to the chagrin
of his folks who had invited all
the relatives to cheer him on
during the rodeo. He stood
firm. Nope, don’t care that
grandma is coming to the
rodeo to see me ride, “I’m not
doing it!.”
One year, the rodeo hosted a
“bull fighting” competition. It
consisted of several small
black bulls with extremely
nasty attitudes and a couple of
champion rodeo clowns who
jumped over, around and gen-
erally out-maneuvered the
beasts. I was on the arena floor
just behind a metal pen gate
shooting photos. One of the
bulls decided I was more inter-
esting than the clowns, eyed
me and pawed at the ground,
put his head down and pro-
ceeded to hit the fence. It was
quickly clear that the photo-
graph could cost me so I’ve
been safely behind all the
fences since then.
And then, there was the year
we tried to host a Saturday
daytime rodeo in 110-degree
heat — for maybe 20 brave
rodeo fans. Here’s to 50 more
years of memories.

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28 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

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14232784 6/15/2010 5:53 PM Page 1

30 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

Dealership teaches kids business skills

BY SENA CHRISTIAN
GOLD COUNTRY NEWS SERVICE

Folsom Chevrolet is involved

in the community in more
ways than one. Take, for
instance, a recent training exer-
cise at a regional high school.
Summer Ali circled the char-
coal-colored Chevy Traverse
and examined the car’s exteri-
or.
“The Traverse is great for
family,” said saleswoman Brit-
tany Lineberger. “Get in and
see if it’s comfortable for you.”
Ali slid into the driver’s seat
and about one minute later
made her decision.
“I love it,” she said.
And just like that Lineberger
made what might be the
quickest sale in automobile
history. Of course, this sales
representative is a student at
Granite Bay High School and
the same with her client. The
teenagers were part of a simu-
lated on-campus car dealer- COLE ALLEN • SPECIAL TO GOLD COUNTRY NEWS SERVICE
ship put on in late May by the General Manager Adam Godbey and Business Department Manager Rachel Schmidt help
school’s Business Concepts run a simulated on-campus car dealership recently at Granite Bay High School. Folsom
class in partnership with Fol- Chevrolet, a presenting sponsor of the Folsom Pro Rodeo, provided the vehicles and some
som Chevrolet. training.
Teacher Jeanne Sampson
said students gain hands-on campus dealership, complete Folsom Chevrolet, headed by President Marshal
business experience and skills with a selection of brand new
by participating in the indus- vehicles “for sale.” Each stu- Crossan, provided the class with a $1,200 budget to
try-education program, now in dent in the General Motors create the on-campus dealership, complete with a
its 13th year. The program Learning Applied-Business
introduces students to Gener- Program worked in a different selection of brand new vehicles “for sale.”
al Motors’ dealership opera- department within the dealer-
tions and automotive careers. ship: business, finance and the down payment, figured out at the parts department.
The 34 students in the class insurance, sales, parts and the financing rate and calcu- Student Rachel Schmidt,
hear from guest speakers and service. lated the monthly payment. manager of the business
have the opportunity to job Other students acted as cus- Jakob Loterbauer — who department, said the project
shadow at Folsom Chevrolet. tomers and first stopped by the went by the pseudonym Jacob gave her practice working as a
The Folsom dealership is business office to get a fake Black and worked as an ortho- salesperson.
also a presenting sponsor of identity with a new name, job, pedic surgeon — bought a red “It’s good experience,”
the Folsom Pro Rodeo. income and credit score. Ali, Camaro for about $45,000. Schmidt said. “I’m planning to
“They did a great job prepar- for instance, became Kanye “I went for the whole pack- go to college for a business
ing,” Sampson said. “The best West, complete with the rap- age,” Loterbauer said. degree.”
thing about this kind of activi- per’s multi-million dollar Department Manager As customers selected their
ty — it’s not a textbook or lec- budget for a new car. Jacquie Jordan got his month- favorite cars, student general
ture. They come out here and Next, a sales representative ly payment down to $300 a managers Reid Dobson and
it’s amazing the initiative and helped the customer pick a car. month. Loterbauer then visit- Adam Godbey surveyed the
leadership they (show).” Then it was on to the finance ed the service department to scene and made sure every-
Folsom Chevrolet, headed department where the cus- learn about oil changes, rotat- thing went smoothly.
by President Marshal Crossan, tomer selected accessories for ing tires and keeping his car in They spent the previous
provided the class with a the car. The employee added good condition. His visit to the three weeks making arrange-
$1,200 budget to create the on- the tax and license, subtracted dealership ended with a stop ments with Folsom Chevrolet.
14232785 6/16/2010 4:35 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 31

14232786 6/16/2010 4:23 PM Page 1
32 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010
Fun is the name of
the game at rodeo
BY PENNE USHER
TELEGRAPH CORRESPONDENT
A silver dollar dig, cattle
drive, fireworks, live music and
a laser show are in store to
entertain the crowds during
the 50th annual Folsom Pro
Rodeo.
Laser light show
Kristine Keables of the Fol-
som Chamber of Commerce
said this year will be one of the
best shows in the history of the
rodeo.
“One of our biggest special
events is our laser light show
that we’ve added to the fire-
works show,” she said. “We are
PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH the only event with a laser light
Old Glory makes a grand entrance into the Folsom Pro Rodeo. show for the patriotic holiday.
FOLSOM PRO RODEO
EVENT SCHEDULE
• 6 p.m rodeo gates open
• 7 p.m roping events
• 8:15 riding events
• July 2-4
Tickets
• Reserved seating $22.50 avail-
able online only at
folsomprorodeo.com
• General admission: $19 adults
• Children 12 and under and
seniors over 62 are $15
It will be very cool.” The laser
show will precede the fire-
works each night of the three-
day event.
• SEE ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 33
14232787 6/16/2010 4:22 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 33

ENTERTAINMENT: Chuck wagon races will tear through arena

continued from 32

Folsom Cattle Drive

The Cattle Drive down Sutter
Street in historic Folsom is one
event rodeo-goers try not to
miss.
Presented by Wells Fargo
Bank, the cattle drive will fea-
ture a true symbol of the
American west, the Wells Fargo
Stage Coach. Officials warn
cattle-watchers to be prepared
to step away from the curb as
more than 30 long-horn steer
trot down the street.
“We made it last year for the
first time (to the cattle drive),”
said Theresa Smyth of El Dora-
do Hills. “The kids loved it. “
The cattle drive is scheduled
to make its way down Sutter
Street around 6:30 p.m., July 1.
There is no cost to watch the COURTESY • THE TELEGRAPH
little doggies. Chuck wagon races will hit the Dan Russell Arena for the rodeo.

Chuck wagon races arena. “It’s a professional racing style, move quickly racing around
This year there will also be a “They are chuck wagons but where the wagon is pulled by a the arena.”
chuck wagon race around the a little smaller,” Keables said. team of four horse and they • SEE ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 34

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14232788 6/16/2010 4:21 PM Page 1

34 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010

ENTERTAINMENT: Dave Russell Band returns to rodeo stage

continued from 33

Dave Russell Band

Sacramento-based Dave
Russell Band will entertain the
rodeo crowd before and
immediately following the
rodeo July 3 and 4 at Mike’s
Golden Spike Saloon.
Russell said his band plays a
variety of music and fans could
hear anything from Elvis to the
Rolling Stones or Skynard.

Mutton busting
Mutton busting has been a
long-standing crowd favorite.
About a dozen young cow-
poke (ages 5 to 6) try to ride a
sheep for as long as possible
without falling off.
“We’ve had kids slide around
so that they were holding on
upside down for dear life,”
Keables said. COURTESY • THE TELEGRAPH
The Dave Russell Band will hit the stage immediately following the rodeo.
Dig for treasure
There will also be a silver dred silver dollars will be dren will be invited to dig their Tickets to the rodeo can
dollar coin dig, where a hun- thrown into the arena and chil- way through the arena dirt to be purchased online at
find the silver prize. folsomprorodeo.com.

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or visit www.goldcountryfnra.com

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14232789 6/16/2010 4:20 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 35

MUTTON: Adults recall their time as child sheep riders

continued from 4
her, a wood frame with carpet
around it, which he pulls
around in a wagon.
“I think it will be easier this
year,” Chloe said. “I’m going to
wrap my arms around the
sheep and hold on tight. I was
a little scared last year, but I
didn’t get hurt.”
Any good cowboy or cowgirl
dresses the part and both
Dylan and Chloe plan to be
styling. Dylan said he will wear
a black cowboy hat, T-shirt,
pants and boots, while Chloe
plans on wearing a pink shirt,
pink boots, jeans and a cowgirl
hat.
Anthony Williams, 25, and
Marisa Yardley, 24, competed
in the mutton busting when
they were 5- and 6-years-old
and remember it fondly.
Both are grandkids of Jim
“Digger” and Sharon Williams,
who are grand marshals of this
“I held on for days. Back then they had a herd of they had a herd of sheep in the
middle of the arena and my
sheep in the middle of the arena and my sheep ran sheep ran out to the herd and
out to the herd and just stopped so they had to come just stopped so they had to
come take me off because I
take me off because I wasn’t letting go. It was a wasn’t letting go. It was a blast.
blast. I’d recommend it to anyone.” I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Williams’ sister, Marisa, also
Anthony Williams, 25, recalling his time as a child mutton buster
has fond memories of her
mutton busting days.
“I remembered trying to hold on to the sheep’s wool “I remembered trying to
as hard and for as long as I could. ... I wasn’t scared to hold on to the sheep’s wool as
hard and for as long as I
ride the sheep, but I was scared of falling off. I think I could,” Yardley said. “I wasn’t
scared to ride the sheep, but I
did pretty well, but what I do remember was that I was scared of falling off. I think
won the best dressed contest and I was stoked about I did pretty well, but what I do
remember was that I won the
that.” best dressed contest and I was
Marisa Yardley, 24, recalling her time as a child mutton buster stoked about that.”
Yardley, who is expecting her
first child, wonders if her child
year’s rodeo and have been the rodeo forever and mutton will be a mutton buster.
involved with the event since busting was something that I “Oh yeah, I definitely want
its inception. could do,” Williams said. “I to keep the tradition in the
“My dad was involved with held on for days. Back then family going,” Yardley said.

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14232790 6/16/2010 4:19 PM Page 1
36 Folsom Pro Rodeo • 2010
DRIVE: Pony Express riding again
continued from 6
any center medians for the cat-
tle to stop and eat grass,” she
said. “But, because the street is
open, it will be great for view-
ing.”
For the full route, visit
folsomprorodeo.com.
“The time changed this
year,” Langford said. “We used
to run this at high noon, but
because of the heat, we are
having it later in the day for the
cattle, riders and spectators.
We are having it at dusk, which
I think, will give the event a
good flavor.”
The cattle drive will include
groups of cowboys riding hors-
es, the Ophir Prison Band, The
Painted Ladies and the Pony
Express.
The cattle drive will also fea-
ture the old Wells Fargo Stage-
coach, presented by Wells Far-
go Bank.
“This is our kick-off night to
the rodeo and a great way to
start a patriotic weekend,”
Keables said.
For more information, visit
folsomprorodeo.com.
CAT CLINIC OF FOLSOM
AW ,C V
ARM H C O
ARING ETERINARY
CONGRATULATIONS
ON 50 YEARS
OF RODEO!
Dr. Carolyn Standen, DVM
and staff
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CATTLE DRIVE
FAST FACTS
How many cattle are
involved? 30 to 40 heads of
longhorn cattle
Where do the cattle come
from? Flying U Rodeo Company
in Marysville
What about cow chow? All
cattle eat at the “grazing sta-
tion,” a grazing and watering
area in the rodeo arena
What about clean up? About
six pooper-scooper crewmembers
follow the cattle after the run to
clean the street. A city truck will
usually follow later to give it a
deeper clean.
Source: Flying U Rodeo Co.
“We used to run this at
high noon, but because
of the heat, we are
having it later in the day
for the cattle, riders and
spectators. “
Don Langford, Cattle Drive boss
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WILLIAMSES: Rodeo’s ‘heart and soul’
continued from 8
grand marshals.”
Polley is chairperson of the
Folsom Chamber of Com-
merce Board of Directors and
chair of the Rodeo Commit-
tee.
“Over the years (Digger)
has been the institutional
memory,” Polley said, “espe-
cially for the rodeo grounds
and for all the things that
happen behind the scenes to
make the rodeo move. He
knows everything. And he’s a
great attractor of wonderful
and loyal volunteers.”
The Williams’ labor for the
rodeo has been out of love:
love of the rodeo, love of the
people, love of life.
“It’s all volunteer,” Jim said.
“People give their time and
their efforts to make it a safe
place. I don’t think you’ll ever
find a bad egg in the rodeo
Couple has served town for years
Rodeo Grand Marshals
Sharon and Jim “Digger”
Williams have received
numerous community
awards recognizing their
hard work and dedication.
BOTH:
Couple of the Year, Folsom
Chamber of Commerce
Folsom Chamber “Wall of
Fame” recipients
Longtime volunteers of Folsom
Chamber of Commerce
Sharon is Visitor’s Center Man-
ager for Folsom Tourism Bureau
Digger, 30 years as Ambassador
Associate Marines
Singers at Folsom Rodeo and
various local events as a family
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personnel that come through
the rodeo system. … It’s quite
an honor that’s been
bestowed on Sharon and me.
We really appreciate that.”
So when you see the cow-
boys exploding out of the
gates on broncs and bulls —
and see all the other produc-
tions — remember the
behind-the scenes work that
makes it run.
Salute the hours, days, and
years of work from many,
many volunteers who have
labored to make the Folsom
Pro Rodeo a success, and lift
your hat to Digger and
Sharon Williams, grand mar-
shals, who have done their
part and then some.
As Marcia Durst, the cham-
ber’s event planner, sums up,
“They are the heart and soul
of the rodeo.”
Camp directors for the Commu-
nity Bible Church for many years
Easter Sunrise Service, involved
for 50 years and as directors for
last 20 years at Beals Point
DIGGER:
Citizen of the Year, Folsom
Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer of the Year, Folsom
Chamber of Commerce
Folsom Rodeo volunteer, 50
years
Volunteer wrestling coach at
Folsom High School
Folsom Live volunteer
Timekeeper for all home football
games for 37 years
Honorary policeman
Honorary correctional officer
Home of Fun, Loving and
Caring People
personal tour call:
916-985-7580
www.parkfolsom.net
14232791 6/16/2010 4:19 PM
CLOWN: Son is ‘star of the show’
continued from 10
or break a show,” he said. “But
my son is really the star of the
show and we have a lot of fun
doing what we do.”
And Brinson has definitely
made his mark at such a
young age.
The teen is regarded as the
industry’s most accom-
plished young clown on the
pro circuit.
His specialties include trick
roping.
There may be more money
and less risk with being a fun-
nyman rodeo clown, but it
also dramatically reduces
injuries that come with the
often dangerous profession.
Harris’ hospital visits from his
bullfighting days make up
quite the list.
“Let’s see, I broke my leg
twice,” he said. “I dislocated
my shoulder so many times I
can’t count. Broke my collar-
bone, my arm twice and my
ankle once. And add to that
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Page 1
2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 37
“I try to exercise at
least three times a
week, but all the
performances really
take a lot out of me
too.”
Cliff Harris, rodeo clown
many cuts and bruises.”
But as he heads toward 50,
“Hollywood” Harris said he
feels like a million bucks.
“I try to exercise at least
three times a week, but all the
performances really take a lot PHILIP WOOD • THE TELEGRAPH
out of me too,” he added.
When not traveling the
country performing, Harris
and his wife live in the town
Rodeo is example of true grit
of Micanopy, Fla., where they Wrestling a steer to the ground is commonplace at the
own and operate a shop Folsom Pro Rodeo, one of many events held at the Dan
called Coffee ‘N Cream. Russell Arena at Folsom City Lions Park. For more on the
The rodeo clowns’ website details of the individual events, see page 15.
can be found at holly
woodandboogerhead.com.
14232792 6/16/2010 4:16 PM Page 1
14232793 6/16/2010 4:34 PM Page 1

2010 • Folsom Pro Rodeo 39

A proud sponsor
of the
50th Anniversary
Folsom Pro Rodeo

President Bob
Flautt at the
Pre-Rodeo B B
Q

(916) 985-8700 (916) 784-0300

905 Sutter Street 2233 Douglas Boulevard
Folsom Roseville
www.FolsomLakeBank.com
14232794 6/16/2010 4:24 PM Page 1