Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cowboy Names


As per tradition, I always want to leave you with a little parting gift at the end of the Stampede season. For this rodeo season, it’s cool cowboy names.

There were so many fun things about the Snake River Stampede this year. One of them was glancing down the program and reading all of the nifty names. If you or someone you know is getting ready to have a baby, and are in the market for a name and want to make sure the kid’s a tough buckaroo, some of these might be worth considering. My faves are actually ‘Tuf’ and ‘Straws’. What are yours?



Ad
Ardie
Arky
BJ
Baylor
Beau
Bradee
Brik
Britt
Broc
Brody
Buster
Caine
Carter
Chandler
Chance
Chet
Cimarron
Clayton
Clif
Coleman
Cooper
DJ
Dakota
Dalton
Deniz
Dru
Dusty
EJ
Ethen
Friday
Gabe
Grayson
Howdy
Hutch
Jace
Jade
Jessy
Jhett
JD
JJ
JR
Josi
JW
Kade
Kaycee
Keven
Kipp
Kobyn
Kollin
Landon
Levi
Mac
Mert
Micky
Monty Joe
Olin
Pace
Rhen
Riker
Royce
Rusty
Ryon
Spud
Sterling
Stetson
Stormy
Straws
Tag
Tilden
Timber
Tol
Townsend
Tuf
Turtle
Ty
Tyrell
Walt
Waylon
Wes
Zeb
See you at the Stampede next year!
It’s been a great ride.

http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Monday, July 25, 2011

Finals Night and A Favorite Cowboy


Ask almost any die-hard rodeo fan at the Stampede who their favorite cowboy is, and they’ll rattle off a name.

“Clint Cannon.” “Wade Sundell.” “Trevor Brazille.”

It only seemed right that I would have one, too. To choose from the many heroic and tougher-than-tough would be no simple task for me. One day I was in awe of one, the next day in awe of another. Bravery and decency were everywhere, making the decision that much more technical. Could I really choose a fave?

By Finals Night, I was sure I’d have my name. It was, contrary to prediction, a full house, even with three other major things going on within the Treasure Valley. Idahoans do love their rodeo.

Once again I marveled at the tenacity of everyone involved in the rodeo life.

When a Stampeder met with an accident, the lights went up, the music stopped, and the crowd watched and hoped for that rider. Many of us were practically in tears, we felt so bad for her. Our announcers, ever cool and calm, asked us once more to pray as a group. It felt like we’d been doing that all week; just the night before, we’d seen a man injured by a bull; the second to be knocked unconscious during this Stampede season.

“Uncurl your toes from the bottoms of your boots,” we were quietly told, “This isn’t the time to panic and clench up. It’s not going to do this girl any good. She needs your prayers and she needs your calm.”

We tried to do as advised, and applauded as is custom when she left the arena on a stretcher.

The Stampeders, with all the true grit they could muster, rode around the arena once or twice, waving to their fans. Although they are well-trained performers, it was hard for them to smile when they were so worried about one of their own. Understandable. Still, they smiled anyway. Incredible.

Minutes later, it was encouraging to see Joe Gunderson bareback bronc riding again after Wednesday night’s ride, where the horse he was riding threw itself onto its back to rid itself of him.

Davey Bayes, the Emmett cowboy, had a horse called Silver Lining Herbs that bucked so violently is flung the halter off.

When Brian Bain finished his ride, I was surprised to find myself on my feet, cheering wildly. I wasn’t alone; everyone around me was doing the same thing. The arena thundered with applause. Talk about an exciting display of skill.

“I have goosebumps!” said the friend sitting next to me. I looked down at my arm to find that I did, too. Could this be…my favorite cowboy? It seemed likely.

When Levi Berry’s gate was opened to begin his ride, we watched expectantly, but instead found a frustrated rider astride a horse named Mullen Hill that had wedged itself defiantly between the sides of the chute. It wasn’t going anywhere for anyone. Of course, this inspired comments about the horse being a female from the announcers; something they’d been doing all week long.

“You’re going to get a letter from some of the ladies in this audience,” one announcer told the other.

“Don’t I know it,” was the reply.

Some of those bucking horses had no qualms about rubbing their riders right into the gates, with other cowboys scrambling to get out of the way.

The program on Saturday was longer than the others; this was the night they had to wrap everything up, and determine the best of the best.

I continued to learn life lessons from the cowboys:

When dealing with a creature that’s crabby and difficult, the last thing they’ll attempt to do is change the creature, or that animal’s nature. That would have been a waste of time and effort. What they do is try to learn to ride what IS, and try not to get thrown until it’s time to get off. Instead of wasting their days wishing for the trip to be easier or smoother, they adjust themselves, and learn new tricks for coping with the situation. Wouldn’t we all do well to do the same?

When radio personality Dave Tester with Rodeo on the Radio had Brian Bain approach the media table for an interview, I was sitting in the seat right behind him. Since he was my new favorite rodeo cowboy, I had my photographer friend take a picture of us. Brian gamely matched my ‘thumbs up’ pose with his thumb, which was surrounded by an ice pack. Not only was he talented, he was very nice, with obvious manners that are great to see in a celebrity. I was satisfied. Everyone else had a favorite, and now I did, too. Brian Bain. Yep. He was my favorite. I could cross that off the list.

When Wade Sundell rode Lunatic Fringe the crowd was cheering so loudly that we couldn’t hear the eight-second buzzer go off. It was a ride that won him the title.

Justin Rumford entertained us once more with his antics, stripping off his usual garb to reveal the Evil Knievil suit beneath, which bordered on obscene. Only Justin could pull something like that off. (But just barely!) When his cowboy volunteers were lying beyond his mini-motorcycle ramp one more time, preparing to get jumped over, they threw clods dirt at Justin at every opportunity. I loved the passive-aggressive flavor of that. After Justin’s jump, they stole his mini-motorcycle and rode off with it, to the delight of the crowd.

We didn’t hear or see as much from Justin Rumford that last night, as he was busy filling in for bullfighter Will O’Connell, who was injured, knew it, and laid there for help while his partner Cory Wall put himself in harm’s way and as payment got slammed into the gates not once but twice in a bone-crushing manner. There was no way that guy didn’t have several broken ribs. Still, he kept on, and moved just as quickly as before to help his friends. Every now and then, he doubled over a bit, but stood ever-at-the-ready when it was time to spring into action.

Our Stampeder and Will O’Connell weren’t the last of the injuries on Finals Night; one tie-down roper twisted his knee sideways in a completely unnatural way. He knew all too well what had happened, and he wasn’t about to try to get up without help. We’ve had more than the average amount of mishaps this year; the nature of the beast, quite literally.

The beasts got it, too. When a steer charged with his horns toward a cowboy, the cowboy ducked and the steer did what looked like a dive-forward-roll into the dirt, looking like it landed on its head and neck. The cowboy rushed to its side and immobilized its neck, holding firmly to its legs as it struggled in an attempt to get up, which would have been the very worst thing for it at the moment. This big tough cowboy stayed with the steer until help arrived. The announcers said what we were all thinking:

“---And people say that we don’t treat our animals well. If anyone has any doubts after tonight that we love and care about our animals, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”

It was evident. The steer got the same treatment that as anyone else who’d been hurt during the duration of the rodeo.

The report came back that Will O’ Connell, after his run-in with a massive bull, was stable but did not know where he was. At least we had that. Cory Wall, quite literally, had saved his life.

I felt my mind shift allegiance. Sorry, Brian Bain. I was going to have to change my pick.

For five nights I’ve watched the married father of a one-year-old risk life and limb for his friends. I’ve seen him get into the face of an angry bull so that cowboy after cowboy could escape terrible harm. On Finals Night, I saw him take blow after life-squelching blow from a devil of a beast, and still keep going like nothing happened, even though he had to have been in horrible pain.

When the Stampede was over, and people filed out for the party outside to dance, eat, and visit with friends, there stood Cory Wall, signing autographs and smiling a tired smile. Aware of who pays his bills, he wasn’t about to let his fans down, either, just like he didn’t let his riders down all week long. This is a man that can be depended on, no matter what. This is the sort of person that our children can look up to. This is my kind of hero.

Cory Wall is, by far, my favorite cowboy.

The Snake River Stampede was better than ever this year, because of men like him.
See you next year, Cory.
See you next year, Stampede Fans!

To see photos, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/sets/72157627277614832/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/sets/72157627153349361/

Friday, July 22, 2011

Patriot Night: Using Our Freedom On-Site


“I love the pants,” I told my friend Courtney, commenting on a pair of very colorful duds.

“Those are chaps,” she corrected. Whatever. They were nothing short of fancy pants with all that flashy fringe, I thought.

Even though it wasn’t my first rodeo (it’s my second full season, so technically, it’s my second!) I’m still learning. It’s good to have friends that are patient with me, the citified greenie. Not as citified as I used to be, though. Rodeo gets to you after a while, and sinks deep.

“That’s Dean Oliver,” my friend told me, “World Champion calf roper and All-Around cowboy.” I knew him more from the golf world. The man seemed to be a natural at everything he did.

When the lights went down and the Stampeders came thundering out on their lighted mounts, wearing lights themselves, it struck me not for the first time how unique this culture is. We have a world-famous, lighted horse drill team from our city. How many cities could say that? This year, the light design is especially phenomenal, with the well-planned lines placed where they most emphasized the synchronized movement of both horse and rider. Add that to the rope lighting that runs along the top of every gate in the arena, and the effect is mesmerizing.


I’m learning that by being a careful observer, a person can learn an awful lot of life lessons from rodeo. One of the lessons I re-learned last night is that we’re all connected.

The announcers, Boyd Polhamus and Bob Tallman, started a new trend. Just before the National Anthem was sung, one of them offered what could only be called a prayer, openly and without excuse claiming allegiance to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and ending with a sincere ‘amen’.

This was immediately followed by an explanation: we have the freedom to pray or not pray however and wherever we want to, because of the men and women who fought and died and spilled their blood for us. Many of those men and women were in the audience this night; it was Patriot Night at the Stampede, where active military and their families were in attendance in record numbers. They were given a heart-felt thank-you for the service they had given and were giving to their country.

That feeling of connectedness continued as I felt disappointment for the ropers, who seemed to be having a rough night in general. Both headers and heelers were facing trouble, and as they rode by, you could see the frustration on their faces.

More connections as a rider named Chris Graham made his appearance; the announcers told us that the Carthage, TX man was a fifth generation Graham. That would be the Graham in what we know as graham crackers.

With animals, like we humans, there are always the stubborn ones; the ones that won’t go anywhere you want them to go, or do anything you want them to do, no matter what. It was almost comical, the battle the strong-willed critters waged with the pickup men. They were going to do things their way, that’s what. A part of me couldn’t help but respect that.

When it comes to bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding, I just have to say this: my heart can’t take it. In the past week, I’ve sat through many a spine-stiffening moment as I viewed what could be considered the near-death experiences of both the cowboys and the bullfighters. Brian Martinet went down when a horse called Angry Bird fell on top of him. The bull Friday Wright was riding, aptly named ‘Three Drinks, Please’, must’ve never heard the advice to not kick a man when he was down, because he got as many rams into Friday as he could before the bullfighters distracted him.

Again and again, champion bullfighter Cory Wall got in the way of danger so that a cowboys like Dustin Daniels (who had an eighty-four point ride) could escape to safety.

When Jake Wade rode Zombie Zoo, it was a short show. Jake went sailing through the air, then landed with what looked like a lifeless thud. I caught my breath. I’d seen people who’d passed away before, and this looked like the real deal. I began to pray silently that we’d not have a tragedy on this night, with our soldiers present, some who undoubtedly had seen their fair share of death in the field of duty.

The announcer, who we’d already prayed with earlier in the evening, kicked in. He told us that this sort of moment was exactly what the men and women of the armed forces have preserved for us. He asked us to pray with him. Bob Tallman said a prayer full of feeling for Jake Wade. He openly asked God to help him to completely recover from his injuries, and to have there be no lasting effects.

As the prayer ended, there were many very audible ‘amens’. We, as a group of literally thousands of people, had bowed our heads in prayer as a united force of faith.

“The Bible says that where two or more are gathered, there will He be also,” Bob Tallman reminded us. I believed that.

Different than when there were other gaps in the program, no effort was made by bullfighting clowns or announcers to take the crowd’s attention off the misfortune. We sat in subdued silence and waited.

“I see him trying to move,” the announcer gently assured us, having a better vantage point than most.

Seconds later, Jake Wade was up. Thundering applause broke out as he gingerly made his way off the dirt.

“We’ve just witnessed a miracle, and the power of prayer,” Bob Tallman told us. We later learned that Jake had hit his head and been knocked unconscious, that was the extent of his injuries. A close call for the cowboy.

We live in America. Land of the cowboy, the horse, and the fighting spirit. We also live in the land of freedom. It didn’t come cheap.

Thank you to the men and women of the armed forces who were present for the Stampede last night on your night, Patriot Night. Thank you to all the rest who could not be with us. Even though you weren’t there, what you’ve done and what you are now doing has an effect. We will keep praying, thanks to the freedom to do so.

Amen.


For pictures of Patriot Night, see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/sets/72157627254916432/

Two nights left of the Stampede. You can still get tickets to the wildest, fastest, most faithful and full-of-pure-American-heart show on earth.
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

It’s your rodeo.
See you there.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Stampede For the Cure: Faith Night


Faith.

That’s the word that comes to mind, when thinking of last night’s performance.

Faith got out of cars, dressed in every imaginable shade of pink, and coursed toward the Idaho Center, anticipating the show. The color of the evening could be seen everywhere; on vendors, grandmothers, and police officers. It was evidence of a community coming together for a mighty good cause; the prevention of breast cancer.

My husband’s mother passed away before I could ever meet her. So did her sister. The disease took them both. The siblings still weep over their loss, over two decades later.

This cancer thing is dangerous; it’s nothing to mess with unless you have to. We wish no one had to.

On a night with so many women present, it was a funny thing; there were more injuries, more near-hazardous instances, than all of the other Stampedes I’d attended thus far. Anyone would know that the exclamations and the sympathies would be strong for the athletes involved, with an ocean of compassionate persons sitting in the stands.

Cowboy Joe Gunderson had a mean bucking horse throw itself onto its back to get rid of Joe. No dice. Joe was not going to give up. When the horse got back up, Joe Gunderson was still its rider. ‘Fringe Benefits’ would have to try to throw some other rider some other day.

Cody Teel, with a score of 80, held onto the bull for his full eight seconds, but when getting off, the bull made a move that sent Cody flying through the air. The audience audibly said ‘ouch!’ in unison.

Shawn Harris had a rough night, too. He had a bull’s hoof land squarely on his foot while scrambling to get out of the beast’s way. 'Soft slippers tomorrow' was the announcers' recommendation.

“We’re keepin’ the Justin Sports Medicine team busy tonight!” they said. That was certain. The announcers were clearly biased; when a bull didn’t meet with their liking, they mentioned that he’d look much better sitting next to a salad and a baked potato.

Another Harris had the luck with him. We were told that J.W. Harris was the Number Two ranked bull rider in the world. The bull he rode, Pop Tart, helped him (well, sorta) to get a score of an incredible eighty-nine points.


I guess the thought started to creep in the night before, when I realized that Cory Wall, the bullfighter, had been at the Stampede last year, right around the time his child was born. He was here when he probably wanted to be there, would be my guess. I’m looking around, and I’m watching these athletes get thrown into the air, and having their extremities crushed, and I’m thinking what anyone would be thinking:

Why do they do it?

I thought the same thing when I watched my new friend Danna going up and down the stairs, serving the people in my section their concessions. Her job must’ve been similar to being on the stair-stepper for a solid three to four hours. Yet she was pleasant to everyone she came into contact with. People lit up when Danna approached them. Her easy manner and cheerful banter put them at their ease. Both nights she’d served us; both nights I could have set my watch by her. She was back every twenty minutes, guaranteed.

Why do they do it? Why does anyone do things that are hard, dangerous, inconvenient, and often painful?

There are many reasons, I suppose.

We have to.
We want to.
We have a bigger goal in mind.

Our efforts aren’t always rewarded; we saw many a cowboy and cowgirl last night being handed their fair share of disappointment. A rope that missed its mark. A barrel that tipped, then another. A flubbed ride.

Sometimes it helped them to express their feelings. One cowboy, after practically face-planting into the dirt when being thrown, took a handful of soil and chucked it, accompanied by what looked like an expletive. Many athlete’s expressions gave their emotions away. It was evident that some were burdened with the attitude of temporary defeat.

Not every day could be their day.
But there was always tomorrow.

So understandable to want to throw in the towel; no one would’ve blamed them. We’d probably feel the same way in their shoes. The marvel is that they don’t. What on earth, observers might ask themselves, makes them keep going? How do they get out of bed, day after tiring day, when there is so much pain and frustration involved?

We could easily ask the same thing of the people sitting next to us last night. Mom, Grandma, Sister, Wife…how do you do what you do?

The only answer that I can come up with, in my naïve mind, having not been through it personally…is faith. Somehow, some way, they believe that things are going to turn out all right. Whatever life brings, everything is going to be, someday, all right.

It takes a strong woman to get back up again, when some beast has bucked her off, time and time again. But women by nature are strong. They’re the glue of the family, the mothers of all mankind.

We were surrounded by some real heroes last night; and not just those down in the famous Snake River Stampede dirt. They were everywhere. Some walked in the door, some rolled through in wheelchairs. Some were present by virtue of living in our hearts and memories; we take them with us wherever we go.

Faith.
Stronger than fear, and meaner than pain.

It’s what fuels the Snake River Stampede’s Stampede for the Cure Night.

For more information on Stampede for the Cure, or to get information about financial assistance so that you or someone you love can get a mammogram, click here.

*Please visit me on Facebook or Twitter.  :)


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Opening Night of the Stampede


“Whoa,” I said when I pulled into the parking lot of the Idaho Center.
I didn’t remember it being this full last year. I checked my watch. It was only 6:45 pm.

All of the bumped up media coverage looked like it was working.

I followed a man and woman up the walk to the gates and couldn’t resist asking the woman for a picture of her bright red boots; I both enjoyed and coveted them. Janet Barrus was happy to oblige.

After being given the third degree (and having my bag searched), someone noticed my press pass and waved me through. I had the same trouble when trying to get to my seat up front until once again, they saw the pass. I commend the security this year; they’re running a tight ship.

With mutton busting first, I watched the reigning Jr. rodeo clown, Caseyn Pearson, throw his hat in the air over a rider’s good performance. Tyson Acree got an 85 point ride, and that was worth a hat throw. The kids were all good sports, even when their ride rode them smack into the wall.

Speaking of Walls, it was announced that Cory Wall, one of the professional bullfighters for the Stampede, had a one-year-old nowadays. I remembered him from last year. That would have meant that his heart was somewhat divided right around this time at the 2010 rodeo: his wife was either having a baby within days, or she was home with a very new newborn. This is a tough lifestyle.

The mayor of Nampa, Tom Dale, rode out on a horse. He seemed a natural in the saddle. It struck me once again that we live in a unique area of the world, with our horse-riding mayors and governors.

We started off with the bareback bronc riding. They had names like Blood Bath and Sky Back Breaker; and those were just the cowboys! (Only kidding, they were horse’s names.)

“Bucked him OFF,” one announcer commented, while the other one told him, “Well if it was easy, WE could do it!” It would be good to say that the two, Boyd Polhamus and Bob Tallman, were in rare form, but one gets the feeling that’s not rare for them. They’re good at what they do.

The events flew quickly from one to the other. Bareback bronc riding. Steer wrestling (one of my favorites, I’ve decided). Roping. They really kept the show moving; it was impossible for anyone within the arena not to have been entertained, if not riveted.

The announcer randomly asked a Mr. Robert King to get himself and his party out of the ‘nosebleeds’ and get on down to the front row, where they could sit in the box, courtesy of Dan Wiebold Ford. I watched as they excitedly joined our party and took advantage of the free concessions that are available in that particular seating area, courtesy of the Snake River Stampede. Robert, Helgard, her sister Susannah and niece Carlena seemed thrilled and kept smiling at each other and the rest of us. Robert told me that his sister-in-law and niece were visiting from Austria. What a treat that must have been for them as foreigners to see a rodeo that close up. Their good time had just gotten unexpectedly accelerated; leave it to Dan Wiebold to make the ride more enjoyable.

Justin Rumford, the new bullfighter and entertainer at the Stampede, was undeniably funny. Impersonations of Spiderman (running from mid-arena full speed towards the gate, jumping up on it and clinging with one arm bent and a leg bent like Spidey), his hip-shaking dancing methods, gymnastic-like barrel vaulting, pseudo-cheerleader moves and a death-defying (well, sorta) jump while riding a mini-motorcycle off a ramp over two innocent bystanders (that he somehow got to lie down for the stunt) was physical humor at its finest. The best part was that he actually DID the jump, and that the two innocent bystanders lived, with one or two close calls, collision-wise. One of the wheels came what appeared to be mere inches from a man’s head.

Justin advised the single girls, “Whichever cowboy gets thrown over the gate, you get to keep ‘em!”

I thought I was seeing things when cowboy Ty Atchison from Jackson, MO, rode his bucking bronc toward the gates where we were sitting and actually smiled at us. The announcers validated what I’d seen.

“That kid is never without a grin. It looks like he has it tattooed onto his face.”

It looked like was he was having the time of his life, that’s what it looked like.

Bull riding:
The answer to the question of why so many cowboys are also so religious. When Shawn Hogg of Odessa, TX finished his dangerous ride, he got down on one knee ever so briefly in a stance of gratitude for his safety, and for good reason. These animals could crush a man.

What will tonight’s rodeo bring?
Chances are, an awful lot of pink. It’s Stampede for the Cure night, raising money for mammograms for women that otherwise might not be able to afford it. The cause serves women that we know and love, right here in the Treasure Valley, and it’s already saved many lives. If you’re thinking about going to the rodeo, there is no finer night to go.

For pictures of Opening Night, see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/sets/72157627240907122/

The Snake River Stampede: It’s your rodeo.
See you there!
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Governor Butch Otter: Can YOUR Governor Ride and Rope?



Not everyone’s Governor could claim to be a good hand with the horses.

Last summer found Governor Butch Otter competing in the Snake River Stampede rodeo as a team roper. Wearing his knee brace, the Governor scored a time of 17:10.

When interviewed by Rodeo on the Radio’s Dave Tester, Gov. Butch Otter applauded Idaho's rodeo season and the people who made it happen. He clearly enjoyed the obvious excitement and electricity that the state’s rodeos generate. Idaho enjoys the generated revenue, too.

Radio personality Dave Tester thinks a roping test might be the way to go when choosing our state’s leaders.

“Maybe a new requirement for the Commander-In-Chief should be that they have to rope and ride. Then we’d only catch the good ones, and let the others try something else.”

Can your Governor rope and ride? Ours can.
Neener, neener, neener.

To watch Governor Otter roping and riding, see:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=666080861465

*Visit me on Facebook and Twitter.

Breaking Bread With the Buckaroos


It’s been said that the best way to get to know someone is to break bread with them.

I’d like to add to that statement that pancakes also count. I broke into a lot of the golden, buttery rounds this morning with my plastic fork and a side of syrup. I didn’t dine alone; not by a long-shot. The Idaho Center was filled with hungry Buckaroos like myself.

It wasn’t long before the lady in line ahead of me turned around and started up a conversation. I love it when that happens. She told me that she and her husband just celebrated their fifteenth wedding anniversary. That lead to a story about how they met; they’d both owned classic cars. Her husband was looking over at the vintage cars displayed beyond the gate with a longing look. They’d both sold their vehicles years ago and had regrets.

“We took one of our cars cross country and met so many people,” I was told, “Now, no one bothers with us. The car was the conversation-starter.”

My new friend said she missed that. She told me of how she’d recently brought her cute granddaughter and the family dog to the park, and how people went nuts over the dog but ignored the adorable granddaughter.

“Go figure!” she said, throwing up her hands.


I stepped out of line to visit with Dennis Perry of the Snake River Stampede, and Larry Gebert, a local weatherman that covers all sorts of community events. Larry does a spiel called ‘Flat Larry’. I’d asked him last year at this same breakfast if he was indeed Flat Larry, and he said there was no way to be flat with a filling meal like that one. I agreed.

A very nice woman allowed me to cut in front of her when it was time to return to get breakfast. She gave me a hard time about it, though, and that was great.

Inside the Idaho Center, volunteers from the 4H and other clubs rolled plastic utensils in napkins, poured beverages and made sure we had everything we might possibly need to make our dining experience complete. Around the corner, I met with a crowd of hungry rodeo fans that were watching the events of the arena below and enjoying each other’s company. I saw exactly where I wanted to sit; there was an empty spot at the Prime Time Swingers’ table. Could this morning get any better?

They patted the place beside them and said, “Sit right here!” like the gracious people they are.

I told them I’d seen their video from the morning before on YouTube, and asked them about the little boy that had spontaneously gotten up and danced with them, front and center. They couldn’t praise him enough.

“He did that again this morning!” they said. I said I was sorry I’d missed that.
“You’ve just gotta get up earlier,” one Prime Time gentlemen told me, shaking a mock-scolding finger. My mom used to say the same thing.

The Prime-Timers were on a tight schedule and politely shook my hand and took their leave. I had them all sign my napkin before they departed; I get the feeling these performers are going to experience increased fame, since the debut of the YouTube video. Opal Vieselmeyer, Jose Gonzalez, Norma Stafford, Claudia Olaveson, Jim Glancey, Betty L. Smith, Florance Hall and 'Diana' all gave me their autographs.

I sat alone for about thirty seconds until a family of one dad, two sons, and a nephew came along, who introduced themselves and struck up a conversation. I got to see pictures of their camping trip, hear about the oldest son’s birthday, learn how the fishing was at Hell’s Canyon (pretty good!) and see a photo of the nephew’s classic car. Strangely enough, when I told them about my brother-in-law’s ’68 Camaro and described it, the son flipped through his photos on his phone and found a photo.

“Is it this one?” he asked. It was. He’d been at the Northwest Motorfest Cruise in Boise the week before and had taken pictures of several of the cars. My brother-in-law’s was one of them.

“What are the chances that we’d sit down at the same table, and I’ve have a picture of your brother-in-law’s car?” he said, shaking his head. That started off another wave of discussion about how it’s such a small world, and you never know just how small, or how connected we all are until you start talking to people.

Breaking bread, flapjacks, you-name-it; sharing a meal with people brings them together.
Thousands of people got to share a meal today with their friends and neighbors, thanks to the many volunteers that made the Buckaroo Breakfast happen.

Thank You.

For pictures of the breakfast, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson
/sets/72157627109537385/

To see the very entertaining video of the Prime Time Swingers, complete with impromptu dancer, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaDlGUNyCGk

The Stampede starts TONIGHT. Got your tickets yet?
It’s your rodeo.
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Monday, July 18, 2011

Rope And Run: Worth The Wait


The closer I got to the Horse Arena, the more anticipatory I became. This was so different than last year. Then, as a rodeo greenhorn, I didn’t know what to expect. This year I could relax a little more, and look forward to seeing the kind-hearted folk I’d met during the last Stampede. I couldn’t wait.

I’m still learning the country ways, and while doing so, I’ve discovered there’s nothing more important than this: be humble and be observant. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. That doesn’t mean I have to develop any sort of a drawl or change my wardrobe, but to understand that I’m among a culture that appreciates the duplication of the courtesies that they extend to each other.

Case in point: the parking lot at the arena. I noticed, almost too late, that the kind thing to do when parking your car around so many trucks that had horse trailers attached is to simply leave a blank parking spot ahead of them, so they have room to pull forward without having to back up, or do any tricky maneuvering. I moved my car to be well out of the truck that was behind me.

I entered the arena and inhaled. I like the smell of the dirt and the horses. These smells are now associated with good memories; I was back amongst it, and was loving it. It struck me that I was going to get to experience the full force of the Stampede all over again, and my heart beat a little faster.

Perched on the bleachers, I saw that the ropers were doing their thing. There were so many of them, teams of two waiting to have their chance to show what they could do. It struck me how many variables there were to this roping thing: the skill of both the header and the heeler, their horses, the calf and it’s quirky, calf-like personality. All had to be aligned correctly to make for a successful roping and a decent time. Given that the heeler has to anticipate the perfect moment to cap off the roping seemed beyond difficult. Like anything, it’s all a matter of practice.

The bleachers were mostly filled with women and young children that night. Every now and then, they’d call out to whoever it was that they were there for. It struck me how supportive a cowboy’s significant other has to be; in many ways, she’s as tough as he is. The same moment I had this thought, I realized that a country song with the words, “She Loves Me,” was playing over the loudspeakers, and got a lump in my throat. It was the soundtrack to everything I was seeing around me. A blond stood near the gates holding a baby, calling and waving to whoever her favorite rider was. Another horseman rode as close as he could get to the stands and stayed there for a while, so that he could exchange looks with his wife that only they knew the meaning of. I could only guess.

‘You’ll do fine.’
‘Go get ‘em, honey.’
‘It’s all right. You’ll get it next time around.’
‘I think you can do this.’

A boy of about two years old saw the cowboy nearby and yelled at the top of his lungs, “HEY DAD! AFTER YOU’RE DONE ROPIN’, CAN I RIDE THE HORSE MYSELF?”

His dad broke out into a bright grin and he aimed all that warmth in his son’s direction.

Women played an integral part in this operation. While some were minding the calves, keeping them where they ought to be, others made up half of a roping duo. Whole rows of supportive women were leaning against the pole fence watching, waiting, and hoping the best for their cowboys or cowgirls. They were also enjoying each other’s company. This is a culture that treats each other like family, and for good reason. They spend an awful lot of time together at functions just like this.

It was fun to watch the riders. Most had deeply suntanned faces, evidence of a life spent out of doors. One cowboy had an unlit cigar clenched firmly between his teeth, and it stayed there for the hours I was watching, even when he roped.

A soccer-mom friend of mine walked in. She’d gotten remarried a few years back. I wondered what she was doing here; she wasn’t much of a cowgirl. She probably was thinking the same thing when it came to me. Turned out, she’d married into it. Her husband was a roper. I asked her and another friend she was with how many hours they spent waiting for their husbands to compete.

“Too many!” was the consensus.

“I was at a competition with him last weekend,” the friend said, “And I read two whole magazines and an entire book.”

Eventually, the men joined their women in the stands and gave them the report on how they were doing, what their chances were to rank where they needed to, and whatever else was on their minds. Toddlers ran to them and were easily swung up onto shoulders. It’s easy for anyone to see that a huge part of the country culture involves the family.

And the family? The family seems to feel that their riders are most definitely worth the wait.


The Snake River Stampede is coming.
This is your rodeo.
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

For pictures of the Rope and Run, see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/

Win Two Tickets to the Stampede!

Want to win two tickets to the Snake River Stampede?

These will go to the first person to answer this question via my email, amylarson@cableone.net

Give me the first and last names of the two Toms that competed in the Nampa Lions State Chili cook off.

Good luck!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Here's The Beef on the State Chili Cook Off


The mildly annoying sounds of frenzied quacking are not generally associated with chili, unless, of course you’re around a bunch of rude juvenile-types, and then it’s only expected.

Quacks could be heard inadvertently as the Duck Blind guys quack-talked their smack talk to the other chili booths across the way.

Husband and I sampled our way through each booth to try out every unique flavor, texture and style (yes, chili has style) of chili imaginable. Each had its own personality, too. Some were on the salty side, some were sweet-ish, some were colorful and laced with cilantro or bell peppers. Some were all about the meat. I sampled one that was practically like eating a steak, which thrilled the beef-lover in me. This same chili also had a smoky flavor that floated my pallet’s boat. I thought for sure it would be a winner with me.

Since I wasn’t asked to be a judge (although I never applied for the job), I decided to make up my own contest. One lucky recipient would get the CowDiva’s Blogger’s Choice Award; I had it printed up special, and placed in a protective sleeve so that no chili accidents could mar its surface.
I was on the lookout for my fave.

The Smoky One made my list. There were others I was anxious to try, where I knew the chefs and was rooting for them. I would have loved to have given them my little award, but I had to be true to my tastebuds.

Would it be Cory Mikhals, the People’s Choice year after year? Would it be Talkin’ Tom’s? His was the first chili I sampled, and I really liked it. (My spouse couldn’t compliment the concoction enough.) Would it be the other Tom, Mr. Mudd of Wheelers Handout? I got an unauthorized sample of his chili before the official sampling even got underway, and liked that one, too. It was pure, simple, tasty, and something I could sit down to a meal with.

Quack, quack, quack went the Duck Blind guys. We could hear them the entire time. They must’ve used the duck call every five minutes or so, just to remind us they were still there. The other contestants often responded with their cowbells or dinner triangles in an effort to drown out the ducks, which was amusing.

Saving Chief Bill Augsburger’s, Tom Mudd’s, and Cory Mikhals chili for last, we made our way around to them, but met with an unexpected snag: A colorful chili with beef, peppers, cilantro, and bursting with flavor. It made my mouth happy. I guiltily wished for seconds.

“Is that…celery salt I detect in there?” I asked the chef. Wrong. Onion salt and something else I couldn’t pronounce, but that sounded mega-gourmet. All I knew was that I liked it and wanted more.

Chief Augsburger’s chili had a richness to it that I couldn’t put my finger on at first. Something was going on in there; those undertones of beef…aha! Beef bouillon. I asked him about it on the sly. He said he was impressed; it had exactly four cubes of bouillon in it. I told him my next dream job is that of a food blogger. (That’s not a lie).

I swung by for a second sampling of Tom Mudd’s famous chili, and liked it again just fine. My husband enjoyed it, as well.

Quack, quack, quack, came the reminder. ‘Try our chili. Remember our chili,’ it seemed to say. Thanks, Duck Blind guys. Now stop it.

Cory Mikhals’ chili was a fiesta of bell peppers, tender meat and the perfect amount of beans. It smelled good. It looked good. It tasted good.

“Have some toppings!” his associate told us. Cilantro. Cheese. Sour cream. Heaven. They knew just how to take a great experience and make it even better. No wonder they’ve won People’s Choice so often.

Husband and I shared our opinions on the winners. He liked Talkin’ Tom’s chili the best. I knew the one I liked, much as I hated to disappoint the others. Quack, quack, quack.

I humbly approached the Duck Blind guys with their Blogger’s Choice Award. Yeah, their quacking was annoying, but their chili kicked bean. I would’ve taken home the pot if I could’ve talked them into it. They did, however, talk me into trying their red hot ghost pepper chili. I had to sign an actual waiver to taste it; no kidding. It had a respectable heat and really wasn’t half bad, but not something I’d want to slurp down in front of the TV set anytime soon…or even sample again for a while. Zoo-wee.

The moment of truth had arrived. Throngs of us waited anxiously as the announcers gave us the golden words. Who would win?

It went something like this:

“The Best Decorated Booth this year, voted by our illustrious panel of judges: Team Number Sixteen, the Duck Blind Chili booth!”
(More quacks from the duck calls as a response)

“Most Enthusiastic Team: Team #3 Goat Gap Gazette from Texas!”
(This was the guy in the western mountain man getup, complete with the dead animal on the head. Pictures to follow.)

“The People’s Choice Award ($100)
Team Number One: Talkin Tom’s Bigmouth Chili, that’s Tom Laney… You must’ve talked them into it, Tom!”

“Salsa Competition: 3rd place ($50) Team #10, Oregon Trail Competition.
2nd Place ($75) Team #3 Goat Gap Gazette Chili and
1st Place ($100) Joe Barrett, High Country Chili!”

“Chili Verde:
3rd Place: Alicia Garcia, Alicia’s ‘but’ Chili
2nd Place: Bob Wetzel, Bronco Bob’s bun bustin chili and
1st place #10 Oregon Trail Competition Team!”

“Red Chili Competition:
3rd Place ($300)…
(at this point, the announcer was being funny)
“I get to have to try to pronounce all the names…Cory Mik- hallis?”
“---Mikhals!” corrected the other announcer, although she knew he knew Cory Mikhals, just like the rest of us did.
“ Number eleven, Sinners and Saints!” the announcer declared.

“2nd ($400) Bronco Bob’s Chili with Bob Wetcel!
And the 1st place winner, who will now be qualified for the World Chili Cookoff, is Talkin Tom’s Bigmouth Chili, Tom Laney! This year’s Red Chili Champion is Talkin’ Tom!”

My husband was right. Drat. I hate it when that happens. But Talkin’ Tom did make one mighty fine chili, and he deserved to win.

The Duck Blind guys were standing nearby and loudly announced, “Well, at least WE got Blogger’s Choice!”

Right on, Duck Blind guys. Or maybe I should say quack on.


For photos, see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/

Get your tickets to the Snake River Stampede.
It’s your rodeo.

http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Snake River Stampede Horse Parade


Any time an author makes me feel like I’ve been there, I know they’ve done a good job with their wordsmithing. I only wish I knew who the author of this piece was. The writer placed us right on that hot July sidewalk. I could almost smell the distinct aroma of horse hair and cooking pavement, mixed in with freshly cut grass from the downtown neighbors’ lawns.

Two years ago the Snake River Stampede Horse Parade was incredible, with Parade Marshal Lloyd Whose-Last-Name-I-Won’t-Attempt. He’s the Lloyd that owned Lloyd’s Country Store in Nampa at one time, and what a nice man.

Last year’s Marshal is a favorite of mine; Mr. Martin Thorne. Martin gave me a temp job at Thorne Printing as a youth when I was in need of cash. When I got older, I used the marquee in front of Thorne Printing to answer a marriage proposal. His grandson and my son have been friends for years, and their family has been a part of my family's life for a very long time. It will be great to see Martin in the Horse Parade, but he’s been in almost every Nampa parade I’ve seen thus far.

For an excellent description of one of our Nampa Horse Parades, click on the link below.
http://www.ourtown.com/nampaid/article/2008/7/14/snake-river-stampede-horse-parade-displays-nampa-pride.html#postco

*Oh, and get your Stampede tickets! It’ll give you something extra to look forward to next week. Surprise your sweetie, who thinks he or she’s not going to get to go this year, with a ticket to her favorite rodeo.

The Snake River Stampede:
It’s your rodeo.
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Country Music Is The Glue


There are so many great things about the country lifestyle, but among the greatest is the people.

Last year when I was very much a greenie to the rodeo scene, beyond the sheer sport and the excitement of the events, it was the people that made my experience so rich.

It was no different in this case. WOW104.3/ Peak Communications Program Director Lisa Adams made me feel right at home in the large building in downtown Boise. Before I knew it, I was settled into her office for a chat. She seemed to want to get to know me as much as I was curious about her. This mega-talented woman has pumped up the stations she has a stewardship over; it takes a strong personality to do that. I liked her right away.

Lisa enthusiastically told me about WOW104.3, and her take on the current country music scene:

“ I think you’ll see that what was country, Garth Brooks, that whole evolution, you know the Patsy Kline/ Willy Nelson thing into the Alan Jackson role…it’s a different animal today. There’s such an influx of the new generation of people that have grown up completely digital. All they know are computers. We have this younger audience now that’s more accepting of different musical styles in the country world. It’s why you see a lot of crossover stuff happening. The Taylor Swifts, the Band Perry, and Kenny Chesney with his crossover attempt, which is doing very well in the adult contemporary world.

When they brought me here to the country radio station, they brought me for my overall expertise in programming. I’m from Portland, but was born and raised in Klamath Falls. That was country. You didn’t go anywhere; there wasn’t anything else but country, you know, pickup trucks and cowboy boots and hats back in the day. Now you don’t see that. Nowadays there’s soccer moms listening to country music. You see how these artists are marketing themselves. Look at someone like George Strait; I call him the Madonna of country music because of how he re-invents himself and how well he does with this younger audience with his songwriting and production styles. It’s refreshing to see that the format is trying to branch out and evolve and try some different styles. Jason Aldean of Dirt Road anthem is taking a lot of flack because of the rap in it. When I heard that song, I thought, ‘we’ve gotta be all over that song’. We are that conduit for the younger demographic, the twenty and thirty year olds that love this music, and the older demographic that wants this now, too. They love Garth Brooks, don’t get me wrong, but there’s this overall acceptance of people wanting to hear something else besides the old twang. So now we’ve got some great pop, rhythmic and rock flavors that are coming out and I just love it.

We’ve got a local artist ---Denae, that we play, that has some old twang in it.

The country lifestyle is you, it’s me, it’s kids, it’s the cowboys and the farmers and the ranchers, it’s the BSU students across the street. It’s EVERYBODY. That’s what I love about this format; it encompasses all lifestyles.

I’ve always loved all musical styles. Everything from country to jazz to hip hop to rock. You name it; I love it all. Big band, too. For me, it’s not a stretch. Years ago, one of the things I thought I didn’t like about country was that it was so ‘niched’. It all sounded the same to me. Outside of just a few songs that I loved, I now have many songs that I love. It’s a pallet of listening experience for our listeners everyday that are going on this musical journey with us.

In 2009 when I came here, people were just starting to think of country in a different way. I was going to jump in with both feet, really push the limits of what maybe Boise and the Treasure Valley would be accepting of. Ever since then, our ratings have been going up and I felt that our audience has become more passionate about spending time with our radio station. That’s important. I knew what I was hearing out there and wanted to marry that with this vision. WOW104.3 is the final product of that today.

We are a community-driven station. If there’s anything going on in Canyon and Ada county, you name it, we go to all corners to be with our listeners. From St. Jude to a street festival in Nampa to a parade downtown; we want to be a part of it. We do a lot of things with the military in Mountain Home, too. This station is for the listeners.

Growing up, I appreciated the world that radio created for me in my mind, and I want to give that back to our listeners. I feel like radio’s lost that a little bit along the way. My idea was to re-create that magic for people. We create an experience for people, whether you’re coming to see us at an event, or listening to us on the radio.

Country music has opened my mind to being a better programmer. It’s changed the way that I listen to music. I also have to kind of guess what my audience wants. We get feedback, too, and we try and play to that feedback. Not all listeners are going to pick up the phone and call you, so you have to try to make the right choices for them. This has taught me not to be afraid to make exciting moves in the music world, but it’s also taught me more about community and family, and what that means to people. Sometimes we lose track of that sitting in an office and not out with our listeners everyday. Country kind of gives that to you. It gets you out amongst the people.

The good thing about the Treasure Valley: there really is a sense of community. We have people from everywhere. We have such an influx of people, from New York, Portland, Seattle, California. The quality of life is unique. It is becoming such a melting pot. It really is fun and exciting to watch this part of the country grow. I think there’s nothing but good in the future. I think that’s what country’s done for me; made me feel that sense of family. Even the country artists treat you like family. Every listener and radio station is important to them because we have that sense of community. Country music is a warm and fuzzy that makes you feel good. It’s not artificial. It’s a sense of country, too. Being proud of what we’ve done as a country, the feeling that we need to come together and figure stuff out together. I get that sense as well, too.

Country music somehow is a glue.”
Let’s hear it for Lisa, and lets hear it for the ‘glue’ that holds us together and makes us one nation under God and indivisible.

It’s not that far a jump anymore to go country.
You’re probably already there.

To see a rather blurry photo of my friend Lisa Adams (because the CowDiva really needs to get a better camera!), go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/5940612007/in/photostream

To check out local artist's Denae Gardner's music, see:
http://www.reverbnation.com/denaegardner2


*Four more days till the SNAKE RIVER STAMPEDE.

Are you going?
It’s your rodeo.
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

The Real Deal/ CowDiva Meets The WowCow


I got to meet the WowCow. It’s true. He traditionally goes by the name of Moob, although he’s been called by a few udder names.

Wow104.3 is a sponsor of the Snake River Stampede. We like them.

While the DJ’s rounded up for an informal interview, one of them, Jesse James, mysteriously disappeared every time Moob the WowCow magically appeared. Hmm. Moob was generous enough to lend me some camera time and patient with my silly pose ideas. Thanks, Moob.

Pow-wowing (sorry) with the WowTeam of DJ’s helped me to understand where country music is at currently. If anyone’s literally got their finger on the pulse of country, it’s them.

First I had to ask Randy about his foodie-ism.

“I like to cook, I like to eat. That’s what my wife and I did,” he said, “Some people go to the movies; we did that. Now that we have two kids, I’m eating frozen dinners. They’re eighty-six cents at the supermarket.”

I asked him about his grilled pizza recipe.

“Oh, yeah, it’s good,” said Randy, “When my wife and I were first married, I would make my own dough; I could do it up right. Nowadays, we just get Papa Murphy’s and throw it on the grill on the round pan with the holes in it. You put coals around the edge; it’s pretty awesome.”

I asked Alana about the $600 purse she bought in Beverly Hills. Any buyer’s remorse?

“Absolutely not,” she told me, “It was a neutral tone; I can use it with any outfit. It even has its own bag.”

A bag in a bag. I like it. Alana’s grown up around the country music scene. She said that when she was about eight, her dad told her that he’d introduced Johnny Cash. She didn’t understand the meaning of that at the time. A couple of years ago it dawned on her. Her dad had introduced The Johnny Cash. He even had a picture of himself on stage with the legend.

Alana grew up with the Johnny Cash-type music, and has been an up-close and personal witness of the transition country music’s made. Not long ago she struck up a conversation with a neighboring passenger while traveling on an airplane. Her neighbor said that the only type of music she didn’t like was country. Alana, getting that sort of thing all the time, asked her new friend if she listened to Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts or Taylor Swift. The lady loved all of those artists. Alana then took the pleasure of telling her, “Then you like country music.”

“It’s really fun to see how mainstream country music has become, and how people are embracing it. I think they embrace it for the stories, because it’s a big storyteller. That’s what the songs do. They tell stories.”

Randy joined in the conversation then. It was like being in the middle of one of their shows in the morning.

“You know the old joke about country music where all they do is sing about some tragedy, like someone’s dog dies? Well, you know what? People’s dogs die. That’s real life. And you know what? People get married, and they get divorced and they break up and they lose people and they have burdens. I mean, let’s face it; most people aren’t going to the club and making it rain every Friday night. That’s not where most people live. Most people are putting food on the table and raising kids. Quite frankly, I think that’s why country is so hugely popular.”

“When we say country music has changed, it seems like it’s almost cyclical. When I was a kid, my parents listened to stuff like Merle Haggard, but then country became very pop for a while. Kenny Rogers, John Denver, they were doing some crossover stuff. Then it became very traditional again with Garth Brooks and Randy Travis. Now, it’s doing a bit more of a pop thing again. Even though the sound changes, the thing that’s consistent is the storytelling. It’s all still the same thing. The same things people have been singing about since Hank Williams.”

Alana said, “...Looking at it from a socioeconomic point of view, you look at where the economy is, and you see the majority of the people who are listening to country music now are in their thirties and like that. Back in the 90’s we were listening to Garth Brooks, and people are turning back to that. It’s almost a comfort, especially if you’re trying to go back a little bit and gain something.”

Dan Matthews joined in, here.

“The kind of sad thing about the ‘traditional’ country format is that it doesn’t really become mainstream enough.”

Randy said, “What’s interesting is that when you think about that traditional sound, and it comes to some artists who you think will never cross over, boy have I been wrong.”

Dan: “…They’ve been doing those Crossroads shows, that’ve been a tremendous success. That’s where things like Jennifer Nettles with Bon Jovi stem from, Kenny Chesney with Steve Miller, the Zack Brown Band with Jimmy Buffett…Taylor Swift and Def Lepard didn’t make a lot of sense, though…”

“A few years back, Jessica Simpson was trying to make a run at country music,” added Randy, “It’s like everybody wants to play in our sandbox. And the funny thing about country is that we’re pretty accommodating. If you’re really sincere…”

“---But YOU have to be accommodating,” Alana chimed in, “Jessica Simpson didn’t make it because she was still ‘Jessica Simpson’ at the end of the day. Darius Rucker makes it, because he had a huge success with Hootie and the Blowfish, but then as soon as he crossed over into country, he started just like any other rookie would. He went to radio stations; he played gigs for free. He did the grass-roots thing.”

Randy: “He golfed with Tiger Woods and was making…Hootie and the Blowfish ruled the planet for a brief period of time. He’ll never have to work again if he doesn’t want to. He was doing free shows all over the place. We love that guy. And he’s HUGE, now. I think he’s one of our core artists in modern country radio.”

I was catching onto the pattern, here. Last year when I started to write for the Stampede, I was worried that I wouldn’t be accepted by the ‘rodeo crowd’. That worry was unfounded; the people were warm and welcoming. A tip an insider gave me, though, was this: Don’t go out and buy a new pair of boots. Don’t wear jeans you don’t normally wear. If there’s one thing these people don’t like, it’s a fake. I mentioned this to the WowTeam, and they heartily agreed.


“When it comes to being genuine…we were actually just talking about that,” Dan Matthews told me, “We were talking about cowboy hats. When it comes to us, there’s not a cowboy in this country music station. I was born and raised in Arkansas and have country roots that go deep, but if I wear a cowboy hat…you know? I just don’t look good in tight jeans, you know? I learned early on that you show up someplace wearing a cowboy hat, they’re gonna smell you out.”

Alana told us that at the ACM Awards, Jay Leno was one of the presenters, and he got up there in a cowboy hat, just because it was the Country Music Awards.

“Show up how you are!” was her sage advice.

“When you say genuine, that hits it on the head,” Dan said, “That’s the thing about the music, the radio station, that’s what we try to be from top to bottom. It’s sincere. There’s no smoke and mirrors. This is what we are.”

Randy was nodding, “I was talking to Alana this morning about the research they’ve been doing on the millennial generation. When they were testing people on the music they liked, people were initially shocked that those tested loved Eminem just as much as they did George Strait. When doing more in-depth research, it was not necessarily the music that they liked, but it was the fact that they were both genuine. They’re the real thing, and they’ve never changed who they were. I think that’s what people love about country music more than anything. It’s real.”

Alana agreed. “We’re at an age of reality. Reality TV; that’s what people crave. People want to find their ‘authentic selves’---which is a total therapy term--- and I’ve been to enough, so I know that!” (Laughs)
Songs about real life, being genuine and showing up how you are. That’s what we love about country.

Thanks Program Director Lisa Adams, Dan Matthews, Jesse James, Randy and Alana, and Moob for your time. These are some very ‘real’ people (and cow).

Wow.

For photos of this adventure, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_larson/with/5940845518/

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Rotary Club Gives Hope

What do we learn from golf?

No, not how to cuss. (Although sometimes this is an almost unavoidable side-effect!)

How about how to remember to p-l-a-y for the rest of your life, to follow through, live on greens, keep both feet planted solidly on the ground, and take long walks for greater health? Forget opponents; always let your best challenger be yourself. Golf teaches us to play games as often as we can; it’s a lot cheaper than therapy. It teaches us to play a situation where it sits, and not to spend too much time wishing for things to be different. It also teaches that no matter what amazing things you did the day before, you still have to start over in the morning.

With golf, just like with life, you can’t quit mid-game. You have to finish, keep pushing, and never give up. While golf rather curiously teaches us how to settle and calm ourselves, to relax, it exercises the most important part of the body (that being our mind) at the same time.

What are we learning from golf on Friday, July 15th?

We’re learning how to hope. Also, and maybe more importantly, how to give hope.

Leave it to the Nampa Rotary Club to set something like Golf for Hope up as a part of the Snake River Dayz Community Festival: The club’s motto is ‘Service Above Self.’ The Rotary members are a group of business and professional leaders who give continuously while encouraging the highest of standards in all vocations, and go about promoting general good will and peace not only in their communities, but world-wide.

Working with sponsors like Plexus, Peppershock, Idaho Press Tribune and Channel 6, the Nampa Rotary tees off one more year of hope with its Golf For Hope event. Hope for places like the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, the Hope House, and other Rotary charities that could use a helping hand.

Beginning with a silent online auction (where you can bid for things like a night at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Copper Canyon gift certificate, three-piece bistro table and chairs, Flying M Coffee Gift Cards, or a round of golf at Ridgecrest) surrounding area mouse-clickers are bidding early and often.
The fun begins Friday at Ridgecrest in Nampa at 8 a.m.

For more information:
http://www.peppershock.com/2011/06/2011-nampa-rotary-golf-for-hope/

Get your tickets to the Snake River Stampede.
It’s your rodeo.

http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

Monday, July 11, 2011

Kiwanis Steak Fry Kicks Off Snake River Stampede Community Festival


Get your taste buds ready, steak lovers.

It’s that time again. Dinner time. Kiwanis Steak Fry time. Grab that napkin and let the salivations begin. This ain’t your ordinary cut of beef, pardner.

The smoky smells of culinary heaven will be wafting through the air on Thursday, July 12th from 5-8 pm at Lakeview Park in Nampa, just as it's wafted for many so many years in the past. As volunteers from the Civil Patrol welcome you and direct parking traffic, follow your nose to the closest available spot at the picnic tables under the shade and dine with friends and neighbors at this anxiously-awaited event. This is the party that kicks off the Snake River Stampede Community Festival, signaling ten fun-filled days of Canyon County spirit and hospitality.

You’ll see more friends than you’ve seen all year while standing in line for your meal, but you won’t be there long enough for a thorough visit; those Kiwanis-types have their jobs down to an art. Before you know it, your plate will be loaded with the very best in Steak Fry fare from Food Services of America, Grasmick produce, and rice by the Hong Kong restaurant. Save room for dessert, because there’s always a Kiwanis like Al Middleton or Josh Hey coming around to make sure you’ve gotten your share of the ice cream.

What could be better than diving into a perfectly marbled, expertly trimmed and textured steak while listening to the sounds of cheerful banter, children’s laughter, and the tunes of the JB Duo serenading the happy dinner crowd? Not much! That perfect steak is no accident; several rather lucky Kiwanis went through the painstaking sampling process, choosing the most pristine cuts of meat for their fantastic fry. The meat had to meet with the judges’ extra-particular criteria (great flavor is key) before it could be deemed Kiwanis-worthy. These judges know what they’re doing; last year’s steaks and hamburgers got absolutely glowing reviews.

Those that like what they taste need not wait until next year for more; boxes of the beefy bliss are sold at the stand at $100 for the steaks at twenty pieces per box, and $65 for the hamburger at 45 patties per box. The Kiwanis are some of their own best customers; knowing just how good the product is, they purchase a box or two to bring home or give away as a thoughtful gift. The proceeds from the boxed beef sales also help the Kiwanis club, which in turn help scores of others. Talk about a win-win; we get mouth-watering beef while the Kiwanis Club gets the funding they need to keep on doing what they’re doing.

Look around while you’re there at the admission-free car show nearby, courtesy of the Heap Herders Car Club and Co., who will return for their third year to lend out the beauty of their classics for a good cause. There will also be fun things to do for the kids, with the possibility of a dunk tank and some inflatable jump toys coming our way.

It takes a lot of hands to put a Steak Fry like this together; the local Boys and Girls Club and the Morning Kiwanis and other key middle school and high school clubs also pitch right in. The money raised this night by satisfied customers will go straight back into the community, as is the Kiwanis way.

How do you like your steak? The consensus seems to be 'medium with a little pink to it', but you can have it your way on Steak Fry night; it’ll be waiting for you at the park on Thursday.

C’mon down, the Nampa Kiwanis will have your scrumptious dinner hot, fresh and ready. Join the annual party that traditionally says: It’s Stampede Time!

*Photos of the Steak Fry can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65228575@N04/sets/72157627073829381/with/5939307096/


http://www.americantowns.com/id/nampa/events/nampa-kiwanis-annual-steak-fry

http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=226

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Nampa Lions Idaho State Chili Contest Heats Up


Ten years ago, the Nampa Lions Club initiated the Idaho State Chili Cook Off. While many have competed, only a chosen few have won.

Nampa Lions’ Jonette Flores has chaired the contest since its inception and says there are a record number of entrants this year; over twenty teams. Since competition is open to the public, the degrees of aggression vary. Some are very serious; while others are simply there to support the Lions Club, advertise their business or raise awareness for their cause, and most importantly, to have fun.

The 2010 winners, David and Alicia Garcia of Garcia’s Tex-Mex Team, went on to represent Idaho at the World Championship in New Hampshire, winning the People’s Choice Award. They are each members of the International Chili Society. Reportedly the ones to watch, you might need a set of eyes in the back of your head since they’ll be competing on separate teams.

Dustin Mori of the Mona Lisa restaurant claimed 4th place last year. He’ll be skipping this season due to his busy schedule but is considering jumping back in for a 2012 upset. Dustin’s advice to newcomers: make good use of the misting booth, enjoy the mingling and tasting, and to ignore the intimidators that talk a large amount of smack.

Cory Mikhals cooked his specialty chili for friends and family for ages, and was encouraged to take it up a notch by competing. In seven years, his team has won People’s Choice six times, 2010 included. Traditionally, the people seem to like hotter chili than the judges. He’s planning to adjust the heat while still maintaining his chili’s integrity. His formula can’t be replicated, since he cooks purely by taste. Cory’s advice: Stay true to your recipe and don’t try to emulate anyone else’s. He also agrees with ignoring the intimidators.

Wheeler’s Handout’s Tom Mudd says he’s been building his chili recipe forever. Although it’s his first year at the Lions Club’s cook off, he’s no greenie; he won the Middleton Chili Cook Off in the spring. Attending the State Chili Cook Off as a sampler last year, he kept wondering why he wasn’t a contender and is currently remedying that issue. Famous Wheeler’s Handout chili will be fine-tuned by Tom himself. He warns newbies not to go too ‘exotic’ and believes that simplicity is key.

Nampa Police Chief Bill Augsburger’s team makes no excuses for their chili. Chief Augsburger’s advice to the ‘wannabes’: “Give up before you cook one ounce of hamburger for your at-best, average chili. We use prime beef chunks from Idaho, cut by a local butcher and gently cook it with our blend of spices and extras. If you still wish to try it, bring it on. Code 3 Lights and Sirens will crush you.”

Stirring up the simmering rivalry, lip-smacking smack-talk, and aroma of strategic cooking in the air, this year’s State Chili Cook Off is about to see a goodly amount of roughage.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Ride On


“You’re one of us now,” she told me. It didn’t matter that she already had nine children of her own; she said I made it an even ten and adopted me on the spot.

I was then introduced to the world of random ice cream eating, laughing till I wept, having full-blown Thanksgiving dinners weeks or even months early, (just because we could), and sitting around a living room talking to my new family while ignoring the TV, due to how much we enjoyed one another. That’s the sort of people this woman raised; those that loved deeply and unconditionally.

The one I learned to call ‘Mom’ helped me through the years endure many heartaches I thought I'd never survive. She shooed away my fears and giggled away my sorrows. She encouraged me, teased me a little bit about lightening up, and often overfed me. She even made my favorite dishes when she knew that I was feeling down.

‘Mom’ saw me through unexpected loss and discouragement. Since that day when she first opened her door, I’ve had an ‘in’ with the family. What she did for me has made all of the difference in my life, and that's trickled down to my children's lives, too.

Mom found her lump early, but she didn’t escape months of treatment, pain and discomfort. It was a scary time, and we know that, so sadly, not everyone gets the results that this family did, although that’s what we all want.

My ‘Mom’ gave me a sense of community. She made me feel that I belonged, that I mattered.



We live within a community that cares enough to want to keep us here. Through early detection. Through getting a mammogram. Ours is a community that wants you to hear the words, ‘Early’, ‘Treatable’ and ‘Survivable’ in the worst way, because our community would not be the same without you. That’s why the Stampede For The Cure wants every darn one of you to be able to get a mammogram, whether you can currently afford it or not. This isn’t something to wait on, girlfriend; this is your life. It’s invaluable.

Stampede for the Cure has a new way of helping to build breast cancer awareness and preventative testing funds this year, with a First Annual Benefit Concert (complete with the sounds of Steve Holy, MacKayla Hunter and Straightaway), beginning with a Stampede For The Cure Motorcycle Ride that gets participants a ticket to the concert, reserved parking and seating, and dinner provided by the delectable Dickies BBQ, all for only twenty dollars!

Tickets are available at Zion’s Bank and Gem Stop locations, so Stampede on in and don’t stop till every last one of you have been mammogrammed.


We need you.


http://stampedeforthecure.org/
http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

A Buggy For The Parade Of America / Or What Snake River Stampede Directors Do In Their Spare Time


Vern Carpenter has a project.

While the name Vern Carpenter may not sound familiar to the common Canyon county resident, it means something to all who’ve traveled via the school bus within the county’s boundaries. Vern is the former owner of Brown Bus Company.

When visiting Vern, he first showed me the latest item, stored in the back of his pickup truck. It was an ornately upholstered black bench, very vintage-looking.

“It’s going into my Amish buggy,” Vern said, “It’s a buggy like those old-time doctors used to ride in around the countryside.”

“Like Doc Baker’s on Little House on the Prairie?” I asked. He nodded, then moved the tour to his warehouse of impressive antiques. One of those treasures was the Snake River Stampede wagon, which I have always wanted to get a closer look at. Vern, who is on the Snake River Stampede Board, even let me climb inside. He showed me an old hardware wagon and his aforementioned Amish doctor buggy, which Vern himself had restored.

We went to the repair shop, the home of Vern’s latest endeavor.

He first got the idea while visiting the museum in Baker, Oregon, where there was an old-time, horse-drawn buggy that took children to school, back in the day. Vern thought it would really be something to build one. When his son heard of Vern’s idea, he encouraged his dad to hurry up and build it, then enter it in the Parade of America on May 21st. Each year Brown Bus Company has a couple of entries: one is their sleekest, latest-in-technology school bus; the other is a 1937 Chevy school bus. They thought it would be meaningful to have Vern’s school bus-buggy lead the way, showing the progression of student transportation.

Vern, now retired from Brown Bus Company, is putting in lots of hours to get that bus- buggy going. Having taken pictures of the buggy in Baker from every imaginable angle, and then using those pictures as his guide, he is recreating what he saw. He has never built a buggy from the ground up before, but thinks he can, engineering pieces and parts and putting them where they belong, like a large puzzle. Although he’s done most of the work solo, he says he’s had a bit of help here and there with welding and other things as May 21st looms.

I asked Vern what made him want to do such a thing. I was expecting perhaps a sentimental answer, possibly a poignant story from his childhood.

“I just like buggies,” he told me.

He also said that he liked taking something old and making something new. I asked if he would make his deadline for the Parade of America.

Vern Carpenter’s reply was classic.

“I’m going to give it a heck of a try.”