Spilyay tymoo., April 30, 1982, Page 10, Image 10

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Spilyáy Tymoo
Muck and mire disheartens rodeo-goers
The winds blew, the rains fell and the
temperatures ranged from hot to cold as
nature announced the weekend of the
Root Feast.
One thing people are beginning to
depend on during the Root Feast
weekend is, the forces of nature to bring
rainy, windy, cold weather along with a
few, short moments of sunshine. During
the last several years, it has become
apparent to rodeo spectators and
participants alike, that it doesn’t matter
what the date of the feast and its
activities, the weather always turns bad
at the last moment.
This year was not any different. The
week started out with beautiful spring
weather but by the time the rodeo was
due to start there were rain clouds in the
sky and the wind began to blow.
And rain it did. The rain dampened
the spirit of many of the cowboys and
spectators. By the end of Saturday
afternoon, the rodeo arena was a sea of
muck and mire.
On Sunday the number of contestants
had dropped as well as the number of
spectators. The rodeo starting time was
held up until the cowboys and cowgirls
made the decision whether--to rodeo in'
the mess. At least 32 contestants were
strong willed enough to handle the
possibility of more rain and deeper mud.
The Sunday show was on and events
started in the sea of mud.
The Endurance Race was held before
the rains fell on Saturday. Winning the
race for the third time in a row was
Emerson “Chief’ Smith, The win
enabled him to gain ownership of the
“Elmer Quinn Challenge Trophy.”
Winning the youth division was Wally
Scott of Warm Springs. There were no
entries in the women’s division.
Another year of fighting the weather’s
elements to celebrate the Root Feast has
passed into history. And many die-hard
spectators and contestants are saying,
“Well, maybe next year.*?
SUNNY, SMILING WINNER—Emerson “C hief’ Smith accepts
“Elmer Quinn Challenge Trophy” and lst-place trophy from
Juanite Bourland, Tribal Council secretary.
Spilyay Tymoo photos
by
MUD ROPING?—Jazz Wewa and C. Benson had a go at a team roping in the muck and mire.
Pàt Leno