GOPIP 2021-2022 | Page 21

Saddling up for

Fourth fun

Fourth of July weekend has come to mean it ’ s rodeo time in Ottumwa in celebration of Cowboy Christmas .

The Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress Rodeo is a double-sanctioned event through Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association and United Rodeo Association with presenting sponsor Ajinimoto .
The first event , in 2017 , drew about 500 spectators who enjoyed the excitement of bucking bulls , fast-paced competition and the sights and sounds of one of America ’ s favorite sports . The tradition has carried on , with 2021 ’ s event drawing a total of about 1,500 spectators and participants to the grounds in Ottumwa Park .
The show has grown from there . In 2018 , it was named the Best One-Day Rodeo by the Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association . In 2020 , it expanded to a two-day event featuring trick rider Dusty Kimzey . In 2021 , Kimzey partnered with local trick rider Dally Orman .“ The two put on a fantastic show ,” said Shea Greiner , vice president of engagement and organizational development with GOPIP .
And it ’ s not done growing yet .
The 2021 event saw an expansion in memory of Brenda Sieren , a longtime GOPIP employee who passed away earlier in the year . Thursday night featured the Brenda Sieren Memorial Jackpot with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society . More than 60 people entered into the open class , and there were also youth and pee-wee classes .
“ Several people who won money gave it back to the American Cancer Society . We were able to give them more than $ 400 out of people ’ s generosity ,” Greiner said . “ That event will stay . That will be the Thursday night before the rodeo from here on out .”
“ What a great event for Ottumwa ,” said Christy Butts , GOPIP investor relations director . “ This being my first event with GOPIP , I learned that there are a lot of components involved to make a rodeo happen . It was full throttle from Thursday to Saturday .”
The 2022 event will mark the rodeo ’ s sixth year . On Friday and Saturday , look for lots of excitement and keen competition in 10 events ranging including team roping , calf roping , steer wrestling , barrel racing and more .
The rodeo also will bring in funny man Lefty the Clown , who keeps the crowd entertained in between events .
Food trucks will offer concessions , likely local favorites such as tenderloin sandwiches , hamburgers and brats . Local Hy-Vee stores will provide a food and beverage tent and Polar Xpress will have frozen yogurt in addition to a variety of additional food vendors .
As with other GOPIP events , volunteers are always needed to work in support roles .
Tickets for the rodeo are : $ 10 in advance and $ 12 at the gate for adults ; $ 5 for children ages 6-12 ; and free for those under 5 . A family pack can be purchased for $ 30 . Advance tickets can be purchased from the GOPIP office .
Rodeo Committee members : Andrew Woodard , John Klosterman , Calynda Smallwood , Colton Snakenberg , Travis Peel , Zach Guinn , Trevor Bolton , Jeremy Johnson and Laura Carrell .
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