Photo By WT Bruce

2010 RANCH HAND RODEO WEEKEND A WINNER ALL THE WAY AROUND
Five spectacular events round out Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend

WINNEMUCCA, Nev.— The Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend certainly lived up to its reputation as Winnemucca’s biggest event. Four very competitive events joined the already hot Ranch Hand Rodeo from March 3-7, and Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority Marketing and Sales Coordinator Michelle Hammond Urain said she couldn’t have been more pleased with the results. “Everything turned out wonderful,” said Urain this week. “Our entry numbers were up, our attendance was great and our first-ever bull sale was a complete success.”

In fact, Urain said the sale, which drew 40 sellers from Nevada, Utah and California, received rave reviews from both sides of the field. “Our buyers were thrilled with the quality of our bulls, and our sellers were very pleased as well,” she said. This year’s Volume Buyer was Tim DeLong of Denio, Nevada. The High Selling Bull, Cain Objective 7275-9313, was consigned by Wild West Angus and purchased by Kevin Tomera of Spring Creek. The Overall Average was $2,200, the Black Angus Average was $2,303, the Red Angus Average was $2,035 and the Charolais Average was $2,214.

The Winnemucca Cow Dog Trial also had a great year, according to Urain. Seventy canine athletes took to the arena in three classes. When it was all over, Mason Winebarger with “Piper
& Syd” took first in the Brace Class, Loren Holmes and “Dazzle” took tops honors in the Open Pro Class, and Janet Oaks and “Misty Oaks Strider” placed first in the Ranch Class.
Another great event, the Winnemucca Stock Horse Challenge, crowned “Heavens Wild Cat” the Open Snaffle Bit/Hackamore Champion. The horse is owned by Dave and Kathryn Grashuis and was ridden by Flint Lee.

“Classic Tivio Bar,” owned and ridden by Hector Pena took first place in the Open Two-Rein/Bridle, while “Cocky Lil Colonel,” owned and ridden by Ryan Markham took first in the Non-Pro Snaffle Bit/Hackamore. “Tallulah Fox,” owned and ridden by Katie DeLong was tops in the Non-Pro Two-Rein/Bridle.

Ryan Markham from Bruneau, ID on Cocky Lil Colonel

2nd High Selling Horse Horse

Champion Non-Pro Snaffle/Hackamore

The Winnemucca Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale also did its part for a stellar weekend. The competition saw more than 50 horses pass through the ring with an overall average of horses sold of $3,946, up from $3,000 the year before; the top 10 average of horses sold was $7,155. Saturday’s high selling horse was “Bueno De Kid,” consigned by Bret Paulik of Erda, Utah, which sold to Carl Malkmus of Gardnerville for $12,500.

Urain said the sale continues to be a mainstay for the weekend with help from some great publicity following last year’s event as well as electronic conveniences such as an online catalog.
A Western Trade Show was open from Thursday through Sunday, also at the indoor event center. Over 60 vendors participated with most reporting having done very well. “People were buying a lot,” said Urain, adding, “Our vendors were very happy.”

But the highlight of the entire weekend, of course, was the 21st anniversary of the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo. A Calcutta got things started Saturday morning, March 6, with the rodeo competition following Saturday and Sunday, March 7. This year drew 30 four-man/one-woman teams—25 from outside the Winnemucca area—whose mission it was to outdo the competition in seven events, including saddle bronc riding, wild mugging, calf roping, team branding, team roping, ranch doctoring and women’s steer stopping. Each team competed in all the events; women had to compete in steer stopping and wild mugging.

Following fierce competition, it was the 101 Ranch from Winnemucca that walked away with first-prize winnings of $5,513 along with Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Championship jackets. Second place was a tie between DeLong Ranches of Winnemucca and Newman Livestock of St. Anthony, Idaho. Each team enjoyed winnings of $3,621. Fourth place went to the Eiguren Ranch of Jordan Valley, Oregon, with $1,890 in winnings; in fifth place was the B Bar B Quarter Horses of Elko, Nevada, with $1,103 in winnings.

Tim DeLong was the lucky winner of the Calcutta and $4,701 after placing his money on the 101 Ranch team. Billie Filippini and Tim DeLong tied for second with their respective purchases of the DeLong Ranch and Newman Livestock teams; they each walked away with $3,089.Ambrose McAuliffe got lucky twice, purchasing both the fourth-place Eiguren Ranch and fifth place B Bar B Quarter Horses teams. He took home $1,612 and $940 respectively.

Top winners in each event category were awarded silver buckles, while the person who scored the most points overall was named “Top Hand.” This year’s winner of the “John and Dutch Zabala Top Hand Award” was Daxton Jim of the first-place 101 Ranch team. He was presented his silver buckle by local resident Ray Zabala.

Additionally, Buster Dufurrena was named the “2010 Ranch Hand of the Year” Saturday before the competition kicked off, and longtime Ranch Hand Rodeo chairman Garley Amos was presented with a proclamation, in person, from Governor Jim Gibbon honoring his 15 years of dedication to the event, as well as a commemorative Ranch Hand Rodeo jacket.
“We had a great time,” said Urain of the weekend that drew well over 2,500 people to the Winnemucca Event Center. “It was busy and fun and exciting to see all those people coming into Winnemucca. It was good for them and good for our local community—a win-win all the way around.”

For more information on the 2010 Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend and results, please visit http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/ or call the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority at (775) 623-5071 or (800) 962-2638.

Winnemucca's 2009 Fifties Fever

Winnemucca, Nevada- The 2009 Fifties Fever brought people from across the region to Winnemucca for fifties style fun. The local casinos played host to several show and shines, as well as other fun activities for participants, locals and visitors alike. On Sunday, the cars lined Bridge Street in the middle of Winnemucca for what proved to be a great display of those classic cars we all love.

The temperatures were hot, but not hot enough to keep people away. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The Winnemucca Convention Center hosted kids games and contests on Nixon lawn on Sunday. The kids enjoyed hula hoop, limbo, as well as a best dressed contest. The Hot Rods, a fifties band that played at the Winner's Casino over the weekend, entertained the Sunday crowd on Nixon Lawn for much of the afternoon. Winnemucca provided good fun for all ages throughout Fifties Fever weekend.

Press Release: Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority

RANCH HAND RODEO WEEKEND A WINNER ALL THE WAY AROUND
Four spectacular events round out Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend

DeLong Team Cow Mugging Photo by: WT Bruce

WINNEMUCCA, Nev.— The Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend certainly lived up to its reputation as Winnemucca’s biggest event.
Four very competitive events joined with the already hot Ranch Hand Rodeo from February 26 through March 1, and Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority Marketing and Sales Coordinator Michelle Urain said she couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.
“All the events were amazing,” said Urain this week. “We had very good entry numbers, very good attendance, an excellent horse sale and the dog trials were the best they’ve ever been.”
In fact, Urain said more than 1,000 people packed the stands just for the Winnemucca Cow Dog Trial Thursday. “It was phenomenal,” she said of the event that drew 52 canine athletes to the arena. “It exceeded all our numbers from the past.”
Urain said word is spreading about Winnemucca’s competition. Plus, this year’s event was sanctioned by the United States Border Collie Handler’s Association, a designation she said worked in Winnemucca’s favor as well.
For the third year in a row, Ambrose McAuliffe and “Rebel” were awarded top honors in the Open Pro Class while Tom Blasdell and “Kate” drew top honors in the Ranch Class. More information on winners up to fifth place is available at http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/.

Open Pro Champion "Rebel" - Photo by: WT Bruce

Another great event, the Winnemucca Stock Horse Challenge, crowned “Bunny,” owned by Tammy Lee, the High Point Horse for 2009, while Flint Lee took home honors as the High Point Rider. Other first-place winners included: Open Snaffle Bit/Hackamore - Fairlea Hot Pic, owned and ridden by Hanes Holman; Open Two Rein/Bridle - Como Trigger Chex, owned by Bob and Ann Britton, ridden by Flint Lee; Non-Pro Snaffle Bit/Hackamore - Buddy, owned and ridden by Kenny Lee; and, Non-Pro Two Rein/Bridle - Bunny, owned and ridden by Tammy Lee. More information on winners up to fourth place in all four classes is available at http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/.

The Winnemucca Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale also did its part for the stellar weekend. The competition saw more than 60 horses pass through the ring with an overall average of horses sold of $3,000; the top 10 average of horses sold was $6,000.
Saturday’s high selling horse was Blues Little Badger, consigned by Dallen Spencer of Malta, Itaho, which sold to Charleeann Woodland of Cambridge, Idaho for $16,000. More information on the sale is available at http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/

High Selling Horse- Blues Little Badger Photo by: WT Bruce

Urain said the sale continues to be a mainstay for the weekend with help from some great publicity following last year’s event as well as electronic conveniences such as a new online catalog.
A Western Trade Show was open from Thursday through Sunday, also at the indoor event center. Urain said over 60 vendors participated with most reporting having done very well. “People were buying a lot,” she said, adding, “Our vendors were very happy.”
But the highlight of the entire weekend, of course, was the 20th anniversary of the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo. A Calcutta got things started Saturday morning, February 28, with the rodeo competition following Saturday and Sunday, March 1.
This year drew 33 four-man/one-woman teams whose mission it was to outdo the competition in seven events, including saddle bronc riding, cow mugging, calf roping, team branding, team roping, ranch doctoring and women’s steer stopping. Each team competed in all the events; women had to compete in steer stopping and cow mugging.
Following fierce competition, it was the Mackenzie Ranch team out of Jordan Valley, Oregon, that walked away with $6,054. Rod Owens was the lucky winner of this year’s Calcutta, taking home $4,753. More information on winners is available at http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/.
“We had a great time,” said Urain of the weekend that drew well over 2,000 people to the Winnemucca Event Center. “It was busy and fun and exciting to see all those people coming into Winnemucca when economic forecasts said that couldn’t happen—but it did for us.”
Urain said the weekend went smoothly and no large changes are in store for next year’s event. “Let’s just say bigger and better,” she said of plans for 2010. “We’re always looking to improve, and we’ve got a great product to begin with.”
For more information on the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend, which was held from Thursday, February 26, through Sunday, March 1, at the Winnemucca Event Center, please visit http://www.ranchrodeonv.com/ or call the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority at (775) 623-5071 or (800) 962-2638.

2009 Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend

Photo By WT Bruce

Friday, February 26-March 1, 2009- Winnemucca Events Complex

The 20th Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend kicks off this Thursday, February 26, 2009 with the Winnemucca Cow Dog Trials. There are two classes- Open Pro and Ranch Class. There are over 50 dogs signed up to compete. This is a record breaking year already!! These dogs are set to compete beginning with the elimination round at 8 a.m. and concluding with the finals, later on Thursday at 7 p.m.

On Friday, the Winnemucca Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale sifting begins bright and early at 7a.m. The preview of sale horses will be later that evening at 5:30 p.m. The sale will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday night, following the Ranch Hand Rodeo performance. We have over 60 horses consigned this year!

On Friday, there is also a Stock Horse Challenge begininning at 11:30 a.m. The Ranch Hand Rodeo itself runs Saturday and Sunday! The performance begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. There is also a Western Trade Show that will run Thursday through Sunday!

Don't miss the fun! This event kicks off our special events calendar in Winnemucca. It is one of the biggest and funniest events in town. People from all over the West come to Winnemucca for the Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend.

Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights

Sponsored by the Humboldt County Chamber of Commerce

December 13, 2009 - The community huddled together this past Saturday evening to welcome the holiday season to Winnemucca! The parade took place on Bridge Street. My family stuck close to the Fire House for what I believe is the best ambiance for this event. The dimly lit street adorned with Christmas wreaths turns ever so slightly at the Court House as it continues into the heart of Winnemucca. The parade was well worth braving the elements for! The time that was put into decorating these twinkling displays was very much appreciated, not to mention the fistfuls of goodies for the kids. Well done Chamber and well done Winnemucca!

The parade ended up being scheduled at the perfect time! Sunday evening the snow began to fly, bringing winter to Winnemucca!

Veterans Day in Winnemucca

It was a rainy day in November...
The parade was small and somewhat low key, but it allowed Winnemucca to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country and the American people. Led by the local Civil Air Patrol, the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Army National Guard, Humboldt General Hospital, local firefighters and other community members made their way down Bridge Street through the heart of Winnemucca. There were no fireworks and no music, just plain old hometown respect and flag waving. The crowd was smaller in numbers than your average Winnemucca parade. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to celebrate this holiday with a day off from work, and the gloomy weather doesn't really put you in the mood for fun! It was a hot chocolate by the fire kind of day. Those of us that braved the elements, if you can refer to a trickle of rain as "elements," were rewarded with a sense of pride and patriotism that words cannot adequately describe. Not to mention a pocket full of candy! God bless our troops and God bless America.

Tri-County Fair & Stampede in Winnemucca, NV

The 2008 Tri-County Fair in Winnemucca was one of the best ever! There was record attendance, the weather was fabulous and the entertainment was awesome. From the carnival to the rodeo, there was something for everyone.

Saturday morning the floats crowded the Model T parking lot preparing for the parade. People lined Winnemucca Blvd. to watch the floats pass by and the kids scramble for candy.

Out at the fairgrounds, there was entertainment going on non -stop. The food was really great! Did you check out those BBQ ribs? Vendors were selling out of food. They were super busy.

The first annual Pig Wrestling Competition was better than ever could have been expected! There had to be over 2,000 people in attendance. There were 47 teams, including pee wee, junior, men and women divisions. These people really got down and dirty for charity, raising over $9,000! This event has been the talk around Winnemucca all week. Pig Wrestling brought people down to the fair that probably wouldn't have come otherwise. It was so much fun to watch, and those that participated all had a blast! I can't wait for next year!

Pink Piggies - Pee Wee Division

DMS Softball Team - One of the muddiest!

Winnemucca Kruise Night

America's Car Collection in Winnemucca in collaboration with the Humboldt County Chamber of Commerce has put together a unique summer event....or even better- a unique summer venue- called Kruise Night. The name itself evokes a certain feeling. Repeat after me, "Kruuuuzzzz Night." It speaks of a relaxed kinda cool jivin' vibe and that is exactly what it is. Kruise Night is a state of mind.

Winnemucca locals are enjoying having a place to relax and socialize this summer. Kruise Night takes place the second Thursday of each summer month June through September on Bridge Street in Winnemucca. The local Winnemucca car clubs really like having a place to gather and share their love of automobiles with the rest of the community. Last night was agricultural week and instead of cars tractors were showcased.

Kruise Night adds something new to the Winnemucca palette of events. There is always something going on in Winnemucca, and Kruise Night adds to an already vibrant array of fun and excitement all year round. The final Kruise Night this summer is scheduled for September 11th starting at 6p.m. If you haven't had an opportunity to check it out, don't miss what is sure to be the best one yet!

Fifties Fever - Winnemucca

This past weekend classic cars lined the streets of Winnemucca as Fifties Fever kicked off another weekend of fun! Car enthusiasts from around the West and even Canada showed off their prized automobiles. Winnemucca hosts this event annually at the end of July/beginning of August. Hot rods and poodle skirts become the norm, as locals and visitors take to the streets. The local casinos prove to be a hot venue with their own show & shines and live entertainment. The Winnemucca Convention Center hosted the events on Sunday with fun for the whole family, including the band Mad Dash out of Sacramento.

If you missed this year's event, put it on your calendar for next year! Winnemucca's Fifties Fever should not be missed!

Winnemucca Rain

I wonder if the heat is behind us? The temperature climbed above 100F a couple of weeks ago, but seems to have cooled back off. Last Monday, the streets of Winnemucca were doused in rain. More rain fell from the sky in 15 minutes than it had all year. I'm sure those that haven't lived in Winnemucca long wondered if the world was coming to an end. Living here forever, I've known that rain can eventually burst seemingly uninhibited from the sky... if you are patient enough, it will come. The Humboldt River usually fills to its brink in spring, sometimes erupting from its banks and filling the sloughs. However, rain like that in the middle of summer is not a common occurrence. The creeks and streams, not to mention the hardpan, do not have the capacity to hold all that water falling from the sky at once.

Flash flooding is actually the most often occurring "natural disaster" (outside of fire) that occurs here. Although, now you have to take into consideration the earthquake issue. I remember back about 20 years ago when they were running earthquake drills in the elementary schools because they thought a "big one" would hit. It never happened, but it has always left me wondering if it is only a matter of time. There are several significant fault lines that run through or close to Winnemucca. Rain, fire, and earthquakes....trust me, its not all that bad!

A Wagon Crossing

Winnemucca....the only town named after a Native American in the state of Nevada. Have you ever thought about how they name towns? Winnemucca was actually once called French Ford. It began as a wagon crossing on the Humboldt River. Pioneers saw this country when it was virtually untouched. But, has it really transformed that much?

There is something said for wide open spaces, as far as the eye can see. A certain holiness may overwhelm the novice traveler. Dusty roads lay across the vast desert. If you venture down one of these unkept paths, you may find deep trenches from tires that cut through what was once moist earth. It appears like jagged knives had cut through the hard earth to expose what lay beneath. Nothing but hardpan. During the heat of the summer, the region's large alkali flats seem dry and virtually unlivable. If you choose to wander from the trail, you may find secret canyons full of life and beauty tucked among the mountains. Most never find this beauty. They are too set on moving forward and not risking wasted time. This land has many seasons, which bring many changes in the scenery. Winter can bring delicate white blankets of snow, covering the landscape in pristine brilliance. Spring brightens the landscape with wildflowers growing amongst the sagebrush and rocks. But the summer...it is hot and dry. Not until you experience the full cycle, do you understand that the barren season only strengthens appreciation for the rain, the water....the green valleys....the fragile buds of spring.

The journey across the high deserts of the West soon leads to a river. The Humboldt River. This river is the curviest river in North America, snaking back and forth between the shores. A river that you cannot follow, that must eventually be crossed. The place called French Ford sprung up at a crossing.

Can you imagine what this landscape looked like to the pioneers? Most likely a lot like it does today. Only it was viewed at a slower pace.

Feeling Free

Cool crisp clean air....and miles and miles of sagebrush. A liberating freeness that settles in your soul. It's like that here....in Nevada. The wind caresses your face in a motherly way. The warm sun heats the earth bringing confidence to the flora. The smell of the earth greets your senses awakening that innate connection to nature. You begin to imagine times long past....a time when lives were being forged in a virgin desert. New beginnings of untold hardships. A community at the brink of creation.