A DAY AT THE RODEO

We were in line to buy tickets for the 89th annual Tucson Rodeo, when the gates opened yesterday morning at 11am.  For the previous 9 years, we would have already been at the rodeo grounds, where we lived in the motor home for the duration of the event.  This year, the company we contracted with (MainGate), decided not to supply the official rodeo merchandise, so we were out of a job.   Even though this was one event we both enjoyed working, I must admit, it was nice yesterday, to just be a rodeo spectator.

Wouldn't you know it, the opening day of the 9 day rodeo was the hottest of the year so far.  The weather forecast was for an 85 degree day, but sitting in the grandstands, it felt much warmer.  We watched 6 of the 7 events, beating the mass exodus of people, before the last event (bull riding) was completed. 

 Our little cowgirl

 A corn dog was about the only thing we could talk Laila into eating for lunch.

 I'm not a big horse person, but watching the skill levels of the cowboys & cowgirls is always impressive!

When we got word from MainGate, that they no longer would be the official licensee for the Tucson Rodeo merchandise, I gave some thought to taking over the operation, but a little thought was about as far as it went.  MainGate would have supplied us with the merchandise at wholesale, but without their merchandise trailer, all sales infrastructure would have been up to us.  I'm pretty sure the rodeo management would have given us the OK, but there were just too many moving parts, and being retired from the rodeo merchandise business sounded a whole lot better. 

We did talk to a group from the rodeo committee that took over the official merchandise, but they only had a few shirts and hats, which was a far cry from the big trailer & variety of stuff that we offered in years past.  The two photos below show the "Then & Now", regarding the display and sales of official rodeo merchandise.

 THEN   Last year

 NOW  This year

Even though it was a hot day, we enjoyed the rodeo, and got to see some of our rodeo friends that we've become acquainted with over the past years.  There was just a little bit of sadness however, to see the huge step down regarding official merchandise, from what we & MainGate offered, to what was available this year. 

Today is RV shade cover delivery and installation day, I think.  We haven't heard otherwise, so perhaps with a little luck, the motor home will have a roof over it's head by the end of the day..............maybe.  Am I being too optimistic?