WEEK OF JULY 6, 2023
VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 21
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Great weather for a rodeo Cowboy Up in Kiowa event is roaring success BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
with a range up to about 15 feet at balloons. Riders in the Elbert County event competed in several categories in shotgun, rifle and cavalry. Riders also participated in an overall main match to secure a timed winner. The shooter with the fastest overall time was Carlos Juarez-Vera with an official time of 39.790 seconds. “I think the event was a success,” said event organizer Stephanie Strube. “We had a great time and being around friends and family
The annual two-day Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo wrapped up on Saturday, June 24 with spectacular events like bull riding, tie-down roping, saddle broncs and the ever-popular mutton busting. The event took place at the sprawling Elbert County Fairgrounds located in the heart of Kiowa. The yearly event is sanctioned by the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA). The event was a roaring success, with packed crowds and fantastic weather. The 2022 “Super Purse Rodeo of The Year” proved again to be fun for the whole family. “We love coming to this rodeo every year. It is our favorite summer event for sure,” said Clare Alvarez of Parker. “It is the perfect size. The Elizabeth Stampede is great, but this one feels more local and relaxing to watch.” Denver-based Eric Golden held a concert after each rodeo performance that all ticket-holding spectators could attend for free. Golden graced the pavilion stage at the fairgrounds with his traditional honky-tonk country.
SEE SHOOTING, P4
SEE COWBOY, P8
Cassidy Esposito competes in historical Western dress at the cowboy mounted shooting competition.
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Mounted shooting comes to Kiowa Wet arena conditions keep some competitors out of June event BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Colorado Mounted Thunder hosted a mounted shooting event at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa on Saturday, June 24 with 35 contestants across 18 classes. Colorado Mounted Thunder is a non-
profit, volunteer-run organization that is affiliated with the nationwide Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association. Prior to the event, more than 70 contestants were scheduled to compete. Due to the extremely muddy conditions of the arena, however, over half of the contestants chose not to compete due to fear of injury to themselves or their horses. Cowboy mounted shooting is an equestrian competition in which riders guide a horse through a shooting pattern and fire blanks
CALENDAR: 11 | VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 14
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Landmark 20th
July 28, 29 & 30
Evergreen Jazz Festival Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting!
Dancers Welcome!
Free Parking!
EvergreenJazz.org 303-697-5467