Rawhide Ranch Rodeo seeking competitors

The Tucumcari Rawhide Days festival may draw in musical performers from across the country, but the Rawhide Ranch Rodeo is still looking for local, area teams to compete.

“We are hoping to have 10 three-man teams sign up for this inaugural event,” said Jaree Elliott, rodeo coordinator.

Elliott said the rodeo is being held in conjunction with Tucumcari Rawhide Days. She said she is hopeful the event will appeal to those western enthusiast attending the festival.

“Tucumcari Rawhide Days is a unique event that promoters say opens up the community to visitors and helps residents celebrate the western heritage,” said Karen Alarcon, event founder, coordinator.

Elliott said the rodeo will use the essence of the Rawhide TV series, having teams competing in event that every day ranch hands would do while on the job. She said those events include knot tying, trailer loading and doctoring, events that will test the contestants skill with a rope and livestock.

“We will also have a steer dressing contest, but that is for fun,” Elliott said. “If you want to know more you will have to come out to the rodeo arena.”

The third annual Tucumcari Rawhide Days festival will be held Friday - Sunday with events at the Tucumcari Convention Center and Quay County Fairgrounds.

Elliott said the rodeo will also feature performances by trick roper Bryce Chapman, a Longhorn bull bringing in our nation’s flag and a local performer singing the national anthem.

The cost of competing in the rodeo is $150 per three man team.

For more information or to sign up call Jaree Elliott at 575-760-5462.

For more information about Tucumcari Rawhide Day tickets, contests and events visit http://www.tucumcarirawhidedays.com.