71st Annual Curlew Valley Rodeo

Aug 01, 2023

Left to right: Ron and Ken Eliason lead their late father’s horse around the arena with his empty saddle as they took a moment to honor Don Eliason as one of the rodeo committee’s past members

Once again, the 2-day Stone Rodeo held up to its reputation as the best small-town rodeo around. Fans, competitors, committee members, and judges gathered from all around to enjoy the finest cowboy entertainment around for the 71st Annual Curlew Valley Amateur Rodeo July 24 and 25. With a full show and plenty of slack before and after the performance, the crowd could be nothing but pleased with the tough competition and the hometown favorite runs each night.

The rodeo had a rocky start with a storm barreling through the opening night, ruining the arena sound system. But the rodeo was not to be deterred and the show went on with rodeo emcee Glen Gilles announcing from horseback in the arena. If there was one silver lining of the night’s hiccup is that the fans demonstrated how dedicated they were to their favorite summertime rodeo. With a little duct tape, a little glue, and a lot of prayers, the sound system was back up and running for the Tuesday night rodeo.

Following the Grand Entry and singing of the National Anthem, the rodeo board, consisting of members throughout the Curlew Valley including President Rondell Skidmore, Rick Steed, Tim Munns, Ken Eliason, Bart Neal, Denver Hawkes, Brayden Eliason, Cody Carter, Matt Branch and Nathan Eliason, took a moment to remember one the committee’s first members, Don Eliason, who had recently passed away. With Don’s horse in tow and his empty saddle on its back, Ken and Ron Eliason took a lap around the arena to honor their father as Rod Arbon said a few words of remembrance.

From the first bronc to the final bull, the rodeo was as exciting as ever. Fans commented that the rough stock provided by “Reggie” Carpenter with Hoggan Rodeo Company was up to the task, rank enough for a good show but worthy of their riders. The Wild Horse Race didn’t disappoint in the least as the daring teams attempted to swing a rider on their bucking horse for a lap around the arena. The fan favorite calf riding brought with it cheers and laughs as the littlest of riders settled into the chutes for their moment of glory, each walking out with a prized $2 bill for their prize. The rodeo featured several hometown cowboys and cowgirls as they stepped up to compete, with a few even taking home a little cash and well-earned clout.

Tom Simpson of Malad took first in the calf roping event with a time of 12.21 followed by Oak Smith from Holbrook in second with a 13.89. Steelee Smith, also from Holbrook, sped around the barrels to take second place with a time of 17.055.

The rodeo is made possible by the rodeo committee as well as the sponsors, including Rose of Snowville, C & R Auto, the Black Pine Motel, Mollies Cafe, S-S Ranch, AE Ranch, Frank May Ski-Doo, Sanderosa Hay, Max Hansen, Stotz Equipment, Little Rock Farms, Bar M Ranch, Thirstycow.com, Hess Auto Parts, Rupp’s Trucking and Excavation, Poulson Farms, Udy+ Angus, and Arne Jones- Oneida County Sheriff. Providing cattle for the breakaway and ribbon roping was Eliason Livestock, with JD Johnson providing calves for the calf roping, and Nolan Branch bringing calves for the kid's calf riding.