Fun events raise funds for rodeo scholarship

RANGELY I An electric construction sign at the entrance to Rangely’s Columbine Park announces what those around for Septemberfest ought to know about this weekend: it’s almost time for bulls and barrels.
The third annual Rock ‘N’ Bulls & Barrels marquee event kicks off Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. sharp with 36 “serious bucking bulls,” said Colorado Northwestern Community College head rodeo coach and event organizer Jed Moore. Riders boasting the top six scores from the initial round will then go on to compete in the championship round for glory, gain and, of course, the much sought-after belt buckle.
Several of CNCC’s rodeo team members will ride bulls or compete in the “barrels” portion of the fund raiser, Moore said. Barrel racing begins Saturday afternoon, when competitors vie for one of 10 spots in the barrel racing finals, also held Saturday night.
This year, a new element of the bulls competition is the “bull team event,” in which bull contractors compete against each other to put forward the best livestock of the evening.
“We’ve got potentially a tougher pen of bulls than last year,” Moore said. “People are going to get to see some of the best buckin’ bulls in a five-state area.”
Last year, bulls competing at Rock ‘N’ Bulls were featured in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. PBR finals qualifiers Jory Markiss and Jordan Hupp have also ridden at Rock ‘N’ Bulls. Moore said he aims to improve and add to the event each year, turning the Rock ‘N’ Bulls Saturday showcase into a signature Septemberfest event.
Tickets start at $10 for adults, with VIP seating available for $20. A “family 4-pack” ticket bundle is $25, while students and children are $5. Children under 3 are free.
For those who like golf and fund raising in tandem, the related Bulls ‘N’ Bogeys event happens at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The 4-person scramble pairs three teammates with one bull rider, barrel racer or contractor, with belt buckles going to the winning team. Cost is $60 per person; contact Moore at 970-629-3581 to sign up. All money earned at the two Septemberfest events helps fund CNCC rodeo team scholarships.