Seaboard opens rodeo doors
GUYMON, Okla. – From its first days of operation 25 years ago, Seaboard Foods has been highly involved in the Guymon community and activities across Texas County.
Each year, the company serves as a major sponsor of the annual Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, which this spring is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 30; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena.
“We’re thankful for all that Seaboard Foods has done for our rodeo over the years,” said Jeremy Carman, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the rodeo. “The fact that Seaboard did more this year speaks a lot about what they do for our community.”
The plant is increasing its sponsorship level in order to buy out the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances, thereby allowing for free admission for general seating.
“This is an unprecedented level of commitment from a local business for our rodeo,” said Ken Stonecipher, the committee’s production manager. “Seaboard has been a great partner of ours for a very long time. By purchasing those afternoon performances, Seaboard is not only doing more for us but is also doing more for the people that live here.
“What does this mean? It allows people who might have a tight budget to enjoy two days of rodeo and have a little cash left over for the concession stand. Seaboard is allowing us to open our doors to more people and give them the best in ProRodeo for a great value.”
Pioneer Days Rodeo is the largest single event in the Oklahoma Panhandle each year. It draws thousands of fans and nearly a thousand ProRodeo contestants to town. It’s an economic boon for the region, and Guymon will shine on The Cowboy Channel during all four performances.
The rodeo has been one of the best in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for decades. It was named the PRCA’s Large Rodeo of the Year in 2002. This past season, it was nominated again as a rodeo of the year. Pioneer Days Rodeo was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2015.
“All of us who volunteer for the rodeo committee care a great deal about this rodeo and the people in this community,” Carman said. “I think Seaboard cares a lot about the community. By paying for our afternoon performances, Seaboard is contributing even more.
“It means a lot to us, because we want as many people as possible to enjoy our rodeo.
We’re proud of what we produce. We’ve heard from the cowboys about how much they like our rodeo, and we like hearing our fans say the same thing, too.”
The doors to the 2021 Guymon ProRodeo are now open. It takes a community-size effort to produce an event of this proportion, and community partners like Seaboard are making it more affordable for anyone who wants to enjoy the show.