Rodeo Kickoff Celebration
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at the Sublimity Harvest Festival Grounds.

Our kickoff party is the last chance for the volunteers and sponsors to gather for an evening of fun before the real work starts. Each year the kickoff has been a little different but it has always been an evening of relaxed socializing. It’s a great opportunity to come have something to eat and drink while getting to meet all of the people responsible for the upcoming rodeo. The kickoff takes place under the BIG tent at the rodeo grounds.

This year there will be live music with Coyote Creek, partnered by Monte’s Coins. There will be a Silent Auction with great items to bid on. In memory of our beloved Stampede Board member and local artist Bob Hartmann, we will be holding an art show featuring his works. When you purchase your pre-sale ticket to the Kick-Off, cost $10.00 it includes Hors D’ oeuvres, or new this year you can purchase at-door tickets for $5.00 which do not include Hors D’ oeuvres.

Mutton Busting
Partner “Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company”

The event has become a crowd and family favorite at the Stampede. Over the years, brothers and sisters have grown full of experience and wisdom on the best technique for riding the sheep. Most of the contestants for this event have out grown the size and age limit to ride, by the time they become “pros.” (The size is 60lbs and age is six years.) They then become the “old timers” and like any good cowboy, they are there to lend a hand to the “young guns” by sharing the tricks of the trade! They will help them put on their protective gear, show them the best spot to hold the rope, and then tell them to hold on for the ride of their lives!

Mutton Bustin’ pairs sheep and young riders, in an event that mimics riding bulls and bareback broncs. Contestants are fitted with protective gear and placed on the backs of full-grown sheep. Then comes the fun part, they nose and bear down, hoping to win their first buckle. Each contestant walks away feeling they have won because they are given a tee shirt from the Mutton Busting partner Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company.

OJBRA - Jr. Bull Riding
Partner “Wilco Farm Stores”

“OJBRA” is known as “Oregon Junior Bull Riders” a chapter of the National Association. Youth from age 4-19 are able to compete with the chance to go to finals in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The kids work hard, and commit to hours of practice time, with the thought of one day competing on the professional level. All this is found in an atmosphere that promotes positive attitude and family values.

Jr Bull Riding is like bull riding at any level. It is an exciting event to watch. Each contestant is trying to ride for eight seconds, to earn a score that is based on a possible perfect score of 100; half from the contestant’s efforts and the other half from the bull’s.

Justin Homan & Metal Mulisha

The Stampede is excited to have Justin back at the Stampede. He has become a crowd favorite over the years. He will be bringing his flips, jumps, and thrills to add to all the fun and excitement at the Stampede.

Justin is an O.G. of Freestyle Motocross, one of only a handful of the FMX founders still in mix. A finalist in several Summer X, Winter X, and the Gravity Games. One of the first 10 riders in the world to complete the back flip in competition. Innovator of the Holyman, earning first place in the Nashville X-Games Big Air category.

This is a weekend hobby for Homan who is a University of Washington graduate, placing in the top 5% of the School of Business class at UW. Residing in Redmond, Oregon Homan holds down the corporate lifestyle as G.M. for the market leader Ameri-Title Inc. Suit and tie on the weekdays, Metal Mulisha spikes and a beanie by weekend.

Homan has been paralyzed, shattered both heels, and taken several knocks to the skull. Not to mention he opened his chest up at the Stampede. Nothing has stopped his love to ride and love to prove people wrong when they say he can’t do something. For years now Homan has ranked as a top 10 rider in the world.