Mike Kennedy CWWRA president and one of the founding members of the rodeo, is a 44 year resident of Carbondale. Formerly a mining engineer at Thompson Creek and consulting engineer on the Glenwood Canyon Tunnels, Mike has been working full time in the real estate business since 1992. Mike is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Mountain West in Carbondale since 1997. RE/MAX Mountain West has offices in Carbondale, Paonia and Cedaredge, Colorado. The Carbondale office is next to the 7-11 store at Main Street and Highway 133 since 1993. Mike has been involved with the Carbondale Fire District since 1980 as a volunteer for 27+ yrs and also a Board Member (29 yrs) for the district. Mike is married (Julie) with two grown boys, one is a EMS Division Chief with the Carbondale Fire District and the other is an electrician. Mike has truly enjoyed watching the rodeo grow from its humble beginnings into something that Carbondale can really be proud of! It's the place to be on Thursday nights in the summer!
Jashine Wise, a Roaring Fork Valley native and a former CWWRA volunteer of almost 15 years was raised on a ranch in Carbondale and is welcomed as the new Vice President.
Jashine participated in the 4-H horse and livestock program raising pigs and steers for 10 years. As a teen, she, along with her sister, started their own business raising and selling market and 4-H pigs.
The many hours spent horseback riding in the hills created a love for the outdoors that sticks with her today. She feels lucky to be able to call these mountains her playground! As an avid outdoorswoman, she also enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping with her husband and two kids. You will see her son, Layton, lending a helping hand every Thursday in the arena, and her daughter, Aubrey, cheering on the contestants from the fence.
She has been a volunteer at the rodeos for many seasons and takes pride in being part of such a wonderful community event. Jashine recognizes the importance of keeping our Western heritage alive and well, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
Jashine's known as a bit of a chaos coordinator and jumps in anywhere she's needed. You'll typically find her at the Secretary's Shed on Thursday nights.
We welcome Janae to the rodeo board this season!
Janae's family has a long history spanning four and five generations in Gypsum and Aspen. Growing up in Carbondale has instilled her love of this small-town community.
Janae's journey began with her son's volunteering at CWWRA, which inspired her to join in and ultimately led to her becoming elected to join the CWWRA Board, now serving as Treasurer. Her role extends beyond finances; she's actively involved in assisting contestants and managing parking during each Rodeo.
Besides her dedication to the community, Janae has built a successful career in Interior Design and owns and manages Professional Diesel and Automotive alongside her husband.
You'll often find Janae taking charge of arena fence parking and lending a helping hand to contestants at each rodeo event.
Her two sons keep her vivacious and she is happiest when she is riding her dirt bike and being outdoors.
You'll often find Janae taking charge of arena fence parking and lending a helping hand to contestants at each rodeo event.
Melanie Gianinetti Cardiff, a Carbondale native, is the CWWRA Secretary/Volunteer Administrator.
Melanie is no newcomer to rodeo, at age 7 she won her 1st, first place trophy and continued to ride competitively in rodeo for many years. In 1974, she was crowned Colorado Mountain College Rodeo Queen, and in 1975, crowned Carbondale Potato Day Queen by the Governor of Colorado. Melanie's passion for riding is as strong as ever. She now enjoys riding her horses and mules on the trails of the beautiful mountains surrounding her home town. Melanie is married to Dave Cardiff, a General Contractor, and Roaring Fork High School Football Coach. Family time is important to Melanie. She cherishes spending time with her grandchildren, Layton, Aubrey and looks forward to spending more time to the newest 2021 addition Lorna.
Melanie assists in the management of Spring Creeks Ranch and Event Barn available for rent for weddings, special occasions, retreats and other private gatherings. She also volunteers in many community activities outside the rodeo board. Melanie is an avid cook and baker, sewing, crafting, and crazy about canning and pickling. You may have seen one of her wedding or birthday cakes around the community or been lucky enough to sample some of her pickles or jam.
Having always been very involved in her community, she says "I am proud to serve on the CWWRA board where we all work so well together". The board members contribute hundreds of volunteer hours preparing and producing the summer rodeo series. "There is a ton of work that goes into pulling off 12 great rodeos, but it's all worth it when you see those smiling faces." She is most passionate about keeping our "Western Heritage" alive and "always working to improve the show!" The best part of rodeo night she says is "getting to interact with all the people…contestants, spectators, and our amazing volunteers!"
Although Melanie isn't as active on Thursdays as she used to be, you will still see her driving the rodeo “vintage golf cart" around the grounds or checking in contestants. Please take a moment to stop her and say hello.
Steve has been the long-time arena manager of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo and knows the ins and outs of the rodeo probably as well or better than anyone around. He is a true supporter and cheerleader of the contestants and keeps the rodeo events running smoothly each week. Steve has to work closely with all the volunteers in the arena, the judges, the stock contractors, and all the contestants, plus the other board members.
Steve has been dedicated to getting the arena and facilities in shape and ready for the rodeo each year, whether that is putting in a new holding pen for the steers at the end of the arena or welding a new roping chute and working on fences and pens.
Thank you Steve for your dedication and support of Carbondale Wild West Rodeo.
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