Pro-sanctioned SWW Fair Rodeo returns for two hot nights

With two back-to-back nights of separate rodeo competitions in 90-degree temperatures and clouds of dust, Southwest Washington Fair Rodeo announcer JimBob Custer milked every opportunity out of one joke.

A bucking bronco successfully threw its rider before rounding the arena at the Grandstands, refusing to come back into custody. As the pick-up men tried to collect him, Custer said, “My mother-in-law’s been looking for a horse. I think I found the one!”

On Thursday, it was the same punchline with an “ex-wife” variation.

This week was the Southwest Washington Fair’s first time hosting two nights of rodeo, and only the second year the annual event has been sanctioned by the National Pro Rodeo Association.

Thanks to volunteers, the rodeo’s big sponsors — Sorenson Transport, Toledo Tel, Ryerson and Fortescue Future Industries, according to Fair Office employee Pat Slusher Junior — and at least a dozen other sponsors of various levels, the two nights welcomed riders from across the world and country mixed in with local athletes.

Barrel racing hosted a rider from Lebanon and another from Tenino. Others were from Chehalis, Centralia, Yelm and Toledo, while one came all the way from Australia, and dozens hailed from small towns in Eastern Oregon.

Combined, the two nights of action saw 15 bull riders, 24 barrel racers, 11 steer wrestlers, more than 15 roping teams, 14 saddle bronc riders, 22 breakaway ropers, 20 tie down ropers and six bareback bronc riders.

Events in the Grandstands arena are set to continue over the weekend, with 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monster Truck shows on Saturday and the demolition derby on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Tickets to both events are sold separately from fair admission.

For more information and a schedule of events, head to https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/events or call the Fair Office at 360-740-1495.