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.
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.
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.
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.
Max is a longtime local in the community, known for his ranching skills and long-standing participation in the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. Having spent years participating in various rodeo events, he has become a familiar face in the arena. Adding to the family's legacy, Max's daughter Ronnie Will follows in his footsteps. She is a 3-time qualifier for the Mountain States Circuit Finals, a 3-time qualifier to the American in the barrels, and placed 3rd in the average at the NDRA Finals.
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.
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.
More coming soon.
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 2024 rodeo season will begin on Thursday, June 6th, and continue through Thursday, August 22nd. 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 Mike Kennedy at:
[email protected] or call at:
(970) 379-3907.
We are excited to continue the premium arena fence online parking reservation system for the 2024 season!
Arena fence parking tickets go on sale every Wednesday starting at noon through the rodeo season and typically sell out within minutes.
Remember, leaving your vehicles at the arena or on Willow Lane early is no longer allowed.
Gus Darien Riding Arena
County Road 100
(Catherine Store Road)
Carbondale, CO 81623
