Pro rodeo board calls off Bigfork event

A Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association-sanctioned rodeo planned in July near Bigfork cannot be held, the PRCA board of directors decided Monday.

Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell and the Fair Board had formally opposed the Bigfork rodeo planned July 6-7, arguing it would be too close to the time and proximity of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA rodeo held traditionally in mid-August. Campbell felt having two PRCA events so close would hurt ticket sales for the fair rodeo.

“The odds were stacked against the little guy in this case, and unfortunately everyone loses, but especially Bigfork,” said Rob Brisendine of Road Creek Events, who was handling the marketing and promotion of the Bigfork rodeo.

The Bigfork Chamber of Commerce and other Bigfork community groups wanted to stage the rodeo in conjunction with the Fourth of July festivities to give visitors another event opportunity, Brisendine said.

According to PRCA rules, an existing PRCA rodeo in the market area of a proposed rodeo has the ability to formally oppose it. The Northwest Montana Fair has been holding a PRCA rodeo during fair week in August for 64 years. The dates for this year’s fair PRCA rodeo are Aug. 16-18.

The Bigfork Summer Rodeo was to be staged at a site near the intersection of Montana highways 35 and 82 in Bigfork.

Campbell previously told the Daily Inter Lake he doesn’t object to Bigfork holding a rodeo; he objects to the Bigfork event being a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo.

“We’re just seeking a little protection in our market,” Campbell said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.