Working with Finals Director, Rex Strayer, Connie Howe from St. Joseph is the member of the St. Joseph Bullriding Committee that coordinates the Exceptional Rodeo.  Connie drives school bus and works for both the United Cerebral Palsy and the Special Olympics.  The 22 members of this committee along with finals personnel, queen candidates, Miss NFPB 2001, bullriders and other members of the NFPB served as the hosts providing a memorial day for over 100 individuals.

Each participant was paired with a host who served as their guide throughout the day’s events. Participants rode horses, experienced the thrill of “riding a bull” on the bull barrel, roped a bale of hay, and “ran” the barrels.  The one thing there was no lack of was smiles and laughter.  The St. Joseph Police Department was there to visit with and to thumbprint each participant for the Child ID program.  Several of the participants were dressed in their best cowboy attire. Pretty shirts, boots, jeans, cowboy kerchiefs and, of course, the traditional cowboy hats filled the arena.  Creative Light Images, owned by Roy Smith and Jerry Tubbs of Jonesboro, Arkansas were on hand to take pictures of everyone.  They donate their services and photos so that each person gets at least one picture.  Each organization will also receive pictures for their use.

When an Exceptional Rodeo is held as a part of a traditional rodeo there are always lots of horses available.  Not so at a bull riding.  A terrific group of individuals better known as the “Giddy Up Gang” were kind enough to bring their horses for the fourth year.  It was hard to tell who was having the most fun, them or the participants. A big thank you goes to the following people for providing the horses: Jim and Lori Myers, Easton, MO (they also provided the horses for the queen contest); Kim and Howard Lewis, St. Joseph, MO; Ken Cooper, Avenue City, MO; Peggy and Blake McGinnis, St. Joseph, MO; Hal Myers, Cosby, MO; Bob, Debbie and Emily Widman, St. Joseph, MO; Justin Hill, St. Joseph, MO; and Dennis and Cindy Gasper, St. Joseph, MO.  In an interview with Kim and Harold Lewis I was told that when they heard the bull riding was coming to St. Joe they contacted the arena about doing something like this.  The arena set them up with the committee and the rest is history.  Watching the participants as they rode the horses around the arena was proof enough for me their efforts were greatly appreciated by all.

Many of those attending the event from the different organizations told me that this event is the highlight of the year for many of the participants.  This is not just a one-day event for them but something they talk about and prepare for months in advance. The hosts told me the first question asked was, “Will you be back again next year?” 

Each year a king and queen and several princesses are selected.  The crowning of the king and queen was a big event for everyone with lots of cheering and smiles for everyone.  This year’s queen was Kelley Wynne and the king was Shane Smith.  Charity, Vicky, and Heather were the princesses.

Exceptional Rodeo Royalty

After everyone had completed all activities they were treated with pizza donated by the local Pizza Hut and Coke provided by Coke. 

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