story by Megan Hayes
True Western Roundup began 10 years ago with the mission to produce events that preserve our western heritage. All while promoting businesses and supporting human and animal athletes. We also strive to build community and authentically provide a family-friendly atmosphere, with respect to remaining true to the western culture.
We are located in Durango, Colo., a historic, quaint and colorful mountain town that’s easy to reach and charms visitors with its beautiful, diverse surroundings and old west heritage. The Durango area has plenty of lodging options that will fit any size group. From cozy bed and breakfasts and rustic alpine cabins to luxury hotels perfect for any occasion. The rodeos are held at the La Plata County Fairgrounds which have full RV hookups and horse stalls, but please call ahead for a reservation as they are very popular with our guests. Top your day off right with a delicious meal. In Durango, you can find anything from spicy New Mexican food or a hearty steak to a burger made from local, grass-fed beef. If you’re running late, we offer a variety of food vendors at the arena. Our restaurant choices offer culinary delights that will keep you full and excited!
This summer, True Western Roundup has a weekly series of seven rodeos and three special western events, taking place most Wednesday evenings from June 7 to August 23. “We produce a ‘Showdeo’ meaning that we start on time, end on time, and provide a fun family entertainment experience for all our guests,” said Pam Petrie, producer at True Western Roundup. “The 2023 season is looking to be our best season yet as we have taken a growth step to be sanctioned by the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) and 10 other pro rodeo groups. These professional sanctions allow our contestants to raise the level of competition as well as the opportunity to earn larger payoffs. Our season concludes on August 23 with an all-women’s rodeo we fondly call ‘Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer’ to benefit cancer awareness. We will honor loved ones lost to cancer by encouraging everyone to wear pink attire and by keeping their memories close to our hearts.”
True Western Roundup is proud to partner with and be sanctioned by the following professional groups:
Colorado Pro Rodeo Association
New Mexico Rodeo Association
All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association
Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association
World Champion Rodeo Alliance (WCRA)
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
Elite Lady Bull Riders
Women’s Ranch Bronc Champions
Legends Roughstock
Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Assoc.
On July 12, we will host the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Challenger Series. We will circle the PBR arena with VIP tables for up-close viewing of all the action! On August 2, we will host the Riata Ranch Cowgirls performing equine dance steps and trick riding acrobatics to a live performance by the San Juan Symphony. This event is going to be nothing short of a unique and beautiful evening and is drawing a lot of attention from our local arts and culture community. On August 9, we will showcase a Western Variety Show which kicks off our County Fair. This is slated to be a live history lesson and includes a variety of specialty acts: trick rider, trick roper, mounted shooting, mounted archery, wagon drive, pony express, wild horse race, saloon ladies, branding, and herding dog demonstration. We encourage our fans to dress in period attire and celebrate our western heritage!
Each one of these events are dedicated to being a community partner. “Community has always been important to me, because it creates a sense of purpose, builds social connections, and offers a support network,” said Pam. She takes pride in her community which motivates her to present a check to a local nonprofit organization at each event throughout the summer series. “We live, work, and play together in our community and feel it is the right thing to do. After all, what is truer to the cowboy way than looking out for your own?” Pam’s family raises cattle and farms dry-land wheat in southwest Kansas. “Growing up, I saw the importance of agriculture and the long hard workdays expected for a successful operation.”
Pam’s children were involved in 4H and had animals they were responsible for. The value of an honest day’s work and unconditional love of an animal is something learned, typically not taught in school. This is a lifestyle that she is proud to be a part of and the motivation behind all that she does.
“I am only as successful as those I surround myself with and I am proud of our professional team.” The stock contractor is W/A Rodeo, who has provided world-class rodeo production throughout the western United States for 56 years. The owners, Lisa and Donny are not just stock contractors, they are rodeo producers that are familiar with many of the local contestants and western business partners. The announcer is JW Kinder, the voice of True Western Roundup since our inception. In addition, there are 12 dedicated staff who show up, set up, smile, provide excellent customer service and take down our event each week. The Royal Court is the official ambassador and spokeswomen for True Western Roundup, they perform the Opening Ceremony at each of our events. Together, the TWR Team produces a family-friendly series of western events full of authenticity.
We could not open our gates without the support of our business partners. True Western Roundup is generously supported by our title sponsors: Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, TBK Bank, and FHI Plant Services along with over 40 businesses that help make our events possible. Tourists travel to our historical town to slow down, breathe fresh mountain air and see the American Cowboy and Cowgirl. True Western Roundup is proud to promote and preserve our western heritage in a community-based and positive family atmosphere.
www.TrueWesternRoundup.com
