Tough Enough to Wear Pink

T-SHIRTS FOR SALE

T-shirts are $15 available at the Mandan Progress Organization office, 411 E Main Street, Mandan.  

available in may 

2010 Publicity Poster Honors Pickup Man Jim Wilson

The Mandan Rodeo Days publicity poster for 2010 honors pickup man Jim Wilson.

It is the seventh in a series of posters highlighting memories, notable contestants, contract personnel, and featured events of the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Wilson has been helping bareback and bronc riders to safety at the Mandan Rodeo for approximately 14 years. He began picking up broncs and bronc riders at the age of 18, and has worked every level of rodeo from youth to high school, college, amateur and professional rodeos in the five-state area of North and South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. He has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1994.

Wilson calls Alzada, Montana, home. He ranches there with his wife Louise. They run a commercial herd of 400 Angus cows and about 1,000 head of Columbia sheep. Jim was born and raised on the ranch they now operate. He attended country schools and on weekends worked for his uncle at the ranch. He attended high school in Belle Fourche, S.D. After graduation he went to work on the ranch full-time and begin building his own cow herd a bit at a time. He took over the full operations in 1972 and ownership in 1976. He recently added another ranch to the operation by leasing the place next door, across the Wyoming border.

Wilson says the cowboy is his first priority in the arena, getting him to the ground safely. His second priority is to safely and efficiently return the horse or bull to the pen. To accomplish this job he keeps anywhere from 10 to 14 head of pickup horses ready to go at all times, plus a long rope! For most rodeos, he hauls five or six horses, depending on the number of cowboys entered in each event, and the format of the rodeo. That way if a horse becomes sore or injured, Wilson always has a backup. In order to have that many pickup horses, it is necessary to try a lot of different horses in the arena. Wilson explains that only about one in ten will actually “go there and get the job done.” Most horses are scared of a bucking, kicking animal and it is impossible to get to the cowboy and put him safely on the ground.
 
Wilson is proud to be honored with this year’s Mandan Rodeo poster. “We have met many wonderful people in this area and are delighted to be invited back to Mandan for another year of great rodeo action,” he notes.

The poster features original artwork of Deb Knuth titled “Bringing the Safety Net—Jim Wilson, Pickup Man.” Posters will be available in May at the Mandan Progress Organization office, 411 West Main St, Mandan, phone 751-2983, and at the Mandan Rodeo on July 2 to 4.

Knuth’s other rodeo, horse and western prints have appeared on the cover of Today’s Horse magazine and in American Cowboy and Horses in Art magazines. Among Knuth’s inspirations are her two sons, who formerly competed in rough stock events.  Her pen and inks have been published on covers of books and now hang in the North Dakota Supreme Court. Other samples of Knuth’s work can be viewed at www.debknuth.com.

The Mandan Rodeo Days series of commemorative posters is available at the Mandan Progress Organization office. Previous commemorative Mandan Rodeo posters featuring the artwork of Knuth include a print showcasing chuckwagon racing and honoring Miss Rodeo America 2007 Ashley Andrews of Bowman. Other posters highlight the artwork of Kaye Burian of Manning, N.D., honoring World Champion Bucking Bull Little Yellow Jacket from the Berger Ranch near Mandan; 1992 World Champion Bareback Rider Wayne Herman of Golden Valley, N.D.; four-time (1981, 1983-1985) World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Brad Gjermundson of Marshall, N.D., and 1957 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Alvin Nelson of Grassy Butte, N.D.

For more information, visit www.mandanrodeo.com or call 751-2983.

Collect all 6 posters

$25 for a set of 6 - save $5. Posters available at the Mandan Progress Organization, 411 W Main Street, phone 751-2983, or Lindy Sue's Candies and Soda Fountain, 316 West Main Street, Mandan, phone 663-5311. $5 each

Racin' Wagons

The 2009 poster, titled “Racing in Wagons,” showcases a crowd favorite from the Mandan Rodeo -- the chuckwagon racing. Limited edition poster prints of the original oil painting by artist Deb Knuth of Wilton are on sale for $5 each at the Mandan Progress Organization office, 411 West Main St, Mandan, phone 751-2983.

The flash and excitement of chuckwagon racing has its roots in the history of the old west. After finishing a long day on the range, cowboys would return to the wagon for a meal, some songs and stories with friends, and a well-earned rest. At the end of the week, cowboys in the area would meet up and head to town for some entertainment. The last one to town would have to buy the first round at the local saloon, so the cowboys were motivated to be as quick as possible in loading up and heading out. A fast team and efficient packing were the name of the game and still are in today’s races.

Chuckwagon racing remains especially popular in Canada. Alberta's first competition took place at the 1923 Calgary Stampede. Racers were urged to imitate the cowboys' breaking of camp, with all the speed, horsemanship, and skill required. Chuckwagon racing has been bringing Mandan Rodeo fans to their feet since 1997.

North Dakota's Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews subject of '08 poster 

North Dakota cowgirl Ashley Andrews was Miss Rodeo America 2007. She came to the honor by way of serving as Miss Rodeo Mandan in 2005 before winning the state title in 2006. It had been 24 years since a North Dakota cowgirl won the national title.

Ashley is a cancer survivor. During her reign as Miss Rodeo North Dakota, she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After receiving six months of chemotherapy treatment she was given a clean bill of health to compete at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

"Having cancer was unexpected and I realized I had to cowgirl up," said Andrews. "Having the love and support of my family and friends helped make my recovery a success."

Taking challenges in stride is a predominant trait for Ashley Andrews. One of Ashley’s favorite quotes is "Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and disguised as work."

As Miss Rodeo America, Ashley traveled more than 100,000 miles and appeared at over 100 rodeos during 2007. In addition to rodeo, Ashley also enjoys motivational speaking. Her community service has included the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society and the North Dakota Cancer Coalition.

Since giving up her crown in December, Ashley has returned to her hometown of Bowman, N.D. In January 2008, she was hired as Executive Director of the Bowman County Development Corporation. She is simultaneously completing her studies in communications, public relations and political science through the University of Mary, Bismarck.

Little Yellow Jacket honored with 2007 commemorative poster 

Painting by Kaye Burian, Manning

World Bareback Champ Wayne Herman Honored with 2006 poster

World Champion Bareback Rider Wayne Herman, a Golden Valley, N.D., native, was the subject of the 2006 commemorative poster by artist Kaye Burian.

Other posters feature four-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Brad Gjermundson of Marshall, N.D., and 1957 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Alvin Nelson of Grassy Butte, N.D.