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Make Way For The Coarsegold Stampede

Coarsegold Stampede Pro Rodeo Sept 17-18 2016COARSEGOLD — Get ready to rodeo this September, as our own local venue known for its annual spring gathering goes completely pro for fall.

The PRCA-sanctioned Coarsegold Stampede rolls into town on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18, and it’s set up to be like nothing the area has seen before.

“Our vision is simple,” says Kevin Tweed, owner with son Tanner Tweed of the beautifully re-envisioned Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds. “We would like to make the Coarsegold Stampede the premiere outdoor event for Madera County.”

Emphasizing that one does not necessarily need to be a cowboy or cowgirl to enjoy a rodeo, Kevin says you just need to enjoy entertainment.

“Rodeos are clean family fun attracting people of all ages and walks of life.”

Rodeo 2016 Entryway by Kellie Flanagan

Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds entrance

It’s shaping up to be a first-class weekend and the really big deal is the fact that it’s been sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA), described for those unfamiliar as the NFL of rodeo. Because this is a PRCA sanctioned event where contestant purses are significant, organizers say more than $2,600 will be added to each event as an additional payout. That’s just the beginning.

“Being PRCA sanctioned is as good as it gets in the rodeo world,” Kevin explains. “We will now be able to deliver a high quality and more recognized product to the spectators with bigger named contestants. Whether they are two-legged or four-legged, the PRCA has the best rodeo athletes in the world. Because of the affiliation with PRCA, the competitors and livestock have greater fan following which draws more crowds.”

Not long after the Tweeds purchased the rodeo grounds earlier this year, Kevin was approached by by Wes Ibrahimi, owner of Humpz N Hornz Bucking Bulls in Raymond. Wes is a stock contractor who raises and supplies bulls for rodeos and Professional Bull Rider events. He teamed with his long-time friend, Alex Hauser of Hauser Bucking Bulls to form a partnership and, as a result, All In Pro Rodeos will be producing six PRCA rodeos this year. One of those is the Coarsegold Stampede.

“Wes and Alex asked whether we would be interested in hosting one of the PRCA rodeos in Coarsegold this year,” continues Kevin. “We jumped at the opportunity.”

As with any effort, it takes a village — or in this case, a committee — to produce an outstanding event.

“Our goal for the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds is to have more family oriented events. This committee we have formed with local talent may be the best organization I have ever joined.

Rodeo 2016 Black Widow by Kellie Flanagan

New “Black Widow” keeps the grounds in shape

“Everyone has worked so hard and been so supportive of what we are all trying to do for the community. It is not only a pleasure to attend our meetings, it is also fun. Ultimately, our goal would be to win ‘Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year,'” a PRCA designation worth working toward.

In addition to pro rodeo both days, the Stampede will have vendor booths, food trucks, kids’ area and activities, and a rodeo dance with live music by Kevin Blake Willard and the Cadillac Cowboys Band, the self-described ‘kickinest country band in the Central Valley.’

Sponsorship is increasing daily, say organizers, as are vendors. That’s good for everyone.

“Whenever you can bring an event of this magnitude to any town big or small, you are generating new income to all. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, retailers alike all benefit from this event.”

A local event needs local support.

Rodeo 2016 Kevin Tweed in the mill by Kellie Flanagan

Kevin Tweed in the on-site mill

“The community is the most important part of the rodeo. They can spread the word about the rodeo, rent a vendor booth or become a sponsor, be a volunteer or committee member and buy a ticket! The number of folks volunteering to help at this event truly confirms to me why this community is so special,” Kevin enthuses. “Tanner and I are so honored and thrilled to be part of this incredible community.”

The committee is striving to share information about the Coarsegold Stampede out on the rodeo trail with contestants. One of the ways organizers will attract high-end performers is to have a VIP hospitality area for them and — importantly — for their families.

“We want them to know how much this mountain community takes pride in making visitors to our area feel at home,” says Kevin in a sentiment that echoes throughout the foothills.

Rodeo 2016 Bret Baize and Katelyn McLeod by Kellie Flanagan

Brett Baize overlooks the arena last April

The culmination of PRCA rodeo is the national finals, held in Las Vegas for ten days annually at the end of the season in late September.

Coarsegold Stampede committee member and liaison to sponsors and cowboys, Brett Baize explains how the finals work.

“It’s kind of like the PGA in golf,” says Brett. Once the rodeo season closes September 30, the top 15 money earners compete for millions. We aimed to schedule the Coarsegold Stampede for this particular weekend of September 17 and 18 because it’s part of that run that a lot of people are trying to make — national finals — and this is when they’re trying to hit every single rodeo  to make money as they compete.”

Brett says it’s probable the Stampede will lure participants who are contenders for the national level, adding Coarsegold to their stop along the way to — hopefully — the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December.

In the meantime, Brett himself competes in team roping, and his spouse pro-barrel racing spouse Leah Baize.

Rodeo 2016 barrel race clinic members including Michelle McLeod by Kellie Flanagan

Barrel race clinic members include Leah Baize

As a couple who travel much of the time, they truly know what the people want and need to be comfortable and perform at optimum game.

“At the Stampede, we want to set ourselves apart and show participants and sponsors the well-known Coarsegold mountain community hospitality. For contestants and families, we plan catered meals with breakfast lunch dinner free of charge. A lot of that is going to be coming from local sources and food companies here and in the valley, as well.”

Brett points out that contestants from around the country bring along their fans and followers.

Rodeo 2016 Priefert Ranch Equipment gate by Kellie Flanagan

New Priefert Ranch Equipment gates

“We could draw some really top level cowboys or cowgirls for that reason, with the timing. That weekend a PRCA rodeo is going on in San Bernadino and they’ll want to compete at both, running back and forth.”

It’s not only participants who will receive special treatment at the Stampede — sponsors can look forward to being spoiled in a good way, too. Planners have designated a catered area with tents, along with special seating, and sponsors are assured they can entertain customers and clients with the perfect combo of fun and professionalism.

Tanner Tweed

Tanner Tweed

“For sponsors, we are really trying to create an opportunity for them to get a return from their advertising dollars,” Kevin Tweed confirms. “We also want them to have a great time in our VIP/Sponsor area where they can mingle with the contestants in a setting they may have never experienced before.”

A portion of proceeds from the Coarsegold Stampede will go toward Infant of Prague Adoption Agency.

“My three children were adopted through Infant of Prague Adoption Agency,” proud papa Kevin notes. “This organization has a special place in my heart. We are also designing this rodeo as a way for youth organizations to raise money, including FFA, 4-H and others.”

For information on ticket prices and other Stampede details, check out the website and Facebook page and event page.

Want to be part of Coarsegold Stampede? All are welcome, say organizers. Meetings are held weekly on Monday evenings, at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

Rodeo 2016 Cowgirl by Kellie Flanagan“The caliber of this event will bring a lot of economic dollars into the community, being a multi-day event with more money being spent at the local businesses,” Brett Baize adds. “We are grateful for everyone’s support and look forward to continuing the tradition of rodeo in the foothills and creating new and exciting traditions with this and other events in the future.”

 

JOIN THE COMMITTEE!
Alexia Arietta
Alex Hauser
Alfonzo Lozano
Belinda Callen
Bob Roy
Brett Baize
Chelsey Shockley
Chloe Mae Ferguson
Chrissy Boland Buckles
Cody Chytka
Codi Elam
Craig Chenot
Dave Strimling
Dennis and Kathy Creighton
Donney Linderholm
Dwayne Martin
Fallon Ferguson
Gina Samper
Janet Stanovich
Joshua Cates
Judy Locatelli
Ken Beatty
Kevin Tweed
Kim Linderholm
Larry Blagg
Laura Young
Lily Sophia
Madi Pearson
Matt Ashton
Michael Steen
Mike Redman
Pat Strimling
Ryan “Hawkeye” Odisho
Tanner Tweed
Tom Ingram
Ty Nelson
Wes Ibrahimi

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