Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Lincoln Rodeo Marks 61 Years
LINCOLN — When cowboys and cowgirls from across the area and region ride into town for the 61st annual Lincoln Rodeo, June 11-14, fans will be witnessing a window into the past.
Lincoln’s rodeo harks back to the past with its categories of steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, calf roping, break- away roping and bull riding competitions at the Lincoln Riding Club Arena — all reminiscent of yesteryear’s western cowboys.
“It’s one of the top three annual events for Lincoln,” said Mayor Rob Hulse. “It has definitely grown through the years and it brings so many to town, both locally and outside the area. The other two events are the Apple Festival in October and Chicken Rod Nationals car show, which is set for June 21.
Ashley Thomas, secretary and reporter for the Lincoln Riding Club which sponsors the event, said up to 2,000 people are expected Thursday evening on Family Night.
“There’s a big turnout for it,” said Thomas. “Saturday is probably our biggest night because so many people come to watch the royalty get crowned.
“It’s a big, big three days,” Hulse said.
Thomas said following this year’s rodeo, the riding club will be planning next year’s event at its next meeting so a year’s planning goes into the event.
“The Lincoln Riding Club does a great job putting on the best rodeo they can and we appreciate it,” said Hulse. “They put in a lot of hard work year after year.”
Brian Snyder, Chamber of Commerce president, said anytime a large event such as the rodeo is held, it brings a lot of people to town.
“The added traffic definitely has the potential to increase sales and help the local economy,” Hulse said.
Snyder agreed. “I don’t know the exact numbers but it helps us out locally. People stop at the gas stations and other businesses.”
Snyder said he is impressed to have an event in Lincoln that has been held for 61 years. “It’s great it has been going that long.”
The rodeo kicks off this evening with a street dance on the downtown square from 8-11 p.m. The 2014 Little Mister and Little Miss will be announced at 5:30 p.m., according to Thomas.
A parade will be held Saturday at 4:30 p.m. with “Dancing in the Dirt” follow- ing the evening rodeo events. Saturday’s dance will feature the Boston Mountain Playboys. There will be a Stickhorse grand entry at 7: 30 p.m. each evening.
Lincoln Rodeo is sanctioned by the American Cowboys Rodeo Association, International Professional Rodeo Association and Cowboys Rodeo Association.