Denver's Rodeo Extravaganza

And then there's the opener that is fast becoming a sell-out tradition. Two Mexican Rodeo Extravaganzas are scheduled in the Denver Coliseum on Jan. 6 and 7. Two Professional Bull Riders (PBR) shows follow. On Jan. 8, the Copenhagen PBR features 45 top pro-bull riders competing for the top 15 slots in the second finals show on Jan. 9.

Last year the National Western's Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeos paid out a record $520,300 in prize money in 2000. Top winners were as follows:

Bareback Riding Sean Culver, Grandview, Wash. Prize Money: $64,050

Saddle Bronc Billy Etbauer, Ree Heights, S.D. Prize Money: $64,750

Calf Roping Justin Maass, Snook, Texas Prize Money: $78,650

Team Roping Kevin Stewart, Glenrose, Texas Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas Prize Money: $102,850

Steer Wrestling Steve Duhon, Sonora, Texas Prize Money: $78,375

Barrel Racing Charmayne James, Gustine, Texas Prize Money: $4,533

Bull Riding Jose O'Byrne, Glenrose, Texas Prize Money: $73,325

This year's 23 rodeos are scheduled from Jan. 10 though 21. A record attendance of 631,801 was set in 2000, with a single day record of 68,357. Last year's new events included dairy cow milking, Wild Horse Races and a Stick Horse Rodeo for kids. Flint Rasmussen, rodeo's numero uno clown and barrleman for the past two years, will appear at all the National Western rodeos. As the first major rodeo of the year, many well-known cowboys will be in attendance.

In 1999, National Western was recognized by the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, listed as one of the top 100 events of the year in the U.S. by the American Business Association and named Rodeo of the Year by Events Business Magazine. Voted the PRCA's Indoor Rodeo of the Year, this is one rodeo you don't want to miss.

For more information, check out their site at http://www.nationalwestern.com.

Copyright 2001 Diana Rowe Martinez

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