It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes help to pull off a 12-week rodeo all summer long. Here are just a few of the dedicated individuals who make this rodeo a success year after year. These folks dedicate every Thursday night to preserving the Western Heritage and are great support to the production of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo.
The man in the announcer stand is a Colorado Announcer of the Year recipient, head coach of Colorado Mesa University's Rodeo Team, and an advocate for rodeo and the Western Heritage. Branden Edwards of Grand Junction has been announcing the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo since 2017. Branden attended the Chad Nicholson’s Rodeo Announcer’s Training Seminar and has been heavily involved in rodeos in and around Grand Junction, Fruita, and the state of Colorado and is adored by fans of the Carbondale Rodeo.
Perry Will supplies the roping steers for the CWWR, continuing a tradition that his son Court was deeply involved in until his tragic passing in 2017. In memory of Court, Perry and his wife Susan have established awards for young rodeo participants across western Colorado including the Spirit of Court Will Award. Perry's extensive career includes 43 years with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before assuming his position in politics, now a Republican member of the Colorado Senate.
Alex Foshee, Carbondale Wild West Rodeo American Flag Bearer, has been riding since the age of 2 and competing in rodeos since she was 6. Splitting her time between Arizona and summers in Redstone, Colorado, Alex has always felt a special connection to the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. For her, carrying the American flag is a way to honor one of the last truly patriotic traditions in sports. She’s especially proud to do it at a rodeo where the camaraderie runs deep and the community feels like home. This season, you’ll find her out front, riding for the flag, the sport, and the people who make it all worth it.
Ava Trulove, Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Colorado Flag Bearer, was born and raised in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and has been riding horses since before she could walk. Growing up on a ranch, the western lifestyle is in her blood. Whether she’s racing the clock in barrel runs or galloping full stride with the Colorado flag, Ava thrives on the adrenaline and connection that rodeo brings. To her, the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is more than an event, it’s a second family. She takes great pride in representing her home state and says carrying the Colorado flag each week is a true honor. Keep an eye out this season for her signature colorful cowboy hats and her new partner, Powell, a flashy Palomino gelding with plenty of presence.
Katie Ford, Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Secretary, hails from a legendary rodeo family. Her grandfather, Harry Vold, was a prominent figure in the rodeo world, known for his black horse and decades-long career until his passing in 2017. Katie's mother, Darce Vold, is also deeply rooted in rodeo, having become a stock contractor in 1995. Katie herself began carrying the American flag in the grand entry of the Sowmass rodeo as a teen and now manages various roles, including secretary duties since 2004. Married to 8x National Finals Rodeo, Royce Ford, they raise their two daugheters and bucking horses in Briggsdale,Colorado while Katie orchestrates the rodeo's logistics, from entry management to prize distribution, ensuring the event's smooth operation.
Jerry is not just a Rodeo Rough Stock Contractor but also a cherished friend of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo community. Beyond Carbondale, he hosts the Rim Rock Rodeo in Fruita, where he has been the face of the event for over 25 years. Jerry's commitment to providing top-notch stock extends far beyond the arena, shaping the fabric of Western Colorado's rodeo culture for decades.
Steve plays a pivotal role as the Arena Manager for the CWWRA and has been a valued board member since 2019, bringing his passion for rodeo to the organization. He is a familiar face at the roping chute, behind the bucking chutes, and wherever the heart of the action beats during the rodeo events. Outside of rodeo, Steve also works as a tow truck driver for Mat Dog Towing.
SEPTEMBER 4, 1969 — JUNE 3, 2024 Matt, a 3rd generation Nieslanik from Carbondale, grew up ranching and learned cattle roping from his father, John. He entered competitive roping in 2003, winning numerous awards, including buckles, a saddle, and cash prizes. Since 1998, Matt has served as the pick-up man at the Snowmass and Carbondale rodeos, and at CPRA events. He and his wife ran Nieslanik Horses, LLC, offering various services from horse rentals to farrier work. GOOD MAN, GOOD FRIEND, GOOD PICK-UP MAN, AND ROPER ONE HELL OF A COWBOY! Rest in peace, Matt.
Tom Harrington, alongside his wife Ginny, has been an integral part of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo, contributing both in the arena and behind the scenes. Retired from team roping and Dally Ribbon Roping, and having served on the CWWRA board, Tom now directs his energy as the board president of the Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association. He's passing on his passion for rodeo to his grandchildren, Tegwyn and Riordan, ensuring the tradition lives on. Tom is ranch manager at the Crystal River Ranch and builds custom horse tack and saddles, enjoys ranch roping, fly fishing and riding his Harley.
The Carbondale Rodeo Committee is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization committed to keeping the Roaring Fork Valley’s western heritage alive by offering a fun family-oriented event for residents and visitors alike. The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is held every Thursday from June until late August, rain or shine.
The rodeo season will begin the first Thursday in June, and continue through the third Thursday in August. Come down to the rodeo every Thursday evening for 12 weeks.
Join us in preserving the Western heritage of the Roaring Fork Valley by volunteering for the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo! Contribute to a meaningful cause, build lasting connections, and enjoy personal satisfaction in supporting a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the spirit of the Wild West. Whether you're experienced with livestock or not, there's a role for you. Sign up today and make a difference at the Carbondale Rodeo!
To volunteer, email Jashine Wise at:
[email protected] or call
(970) 618-4325
