By 8 p.m. the event was sold out, organizers said. Official attendance numbers were not yet available, but rodeo staff speculate that it could quite possibly be the third record-breaking year in the row.
“Saturday is always our best night, and the last two years we saw some really big attendance numbers, but I think we probably beat that a little bit (this year),” said Cindy Green, Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo board member.
The 85-year tradition is beloved by Montezuma County residents, but is also a draw for enthusiasts from all over. Those that have been attending since the early days, when the rodeo was still held in town, have begun to share the tradition with the younger generation.
Ron Knuckles, of Nucla, brought his children out to the event, one he’s been attending annually since 1960.
“I’ve been coming all my life...the first time was 1960, this wasn’t all here, it was in town then,” he said. Viola Benally, a Montezuma County resident, also brought along her grandson to the event this year, as she attends every year to see some of her favorite competitions.
“I really love the barrel racing and the bull riding of course,” said Benally, with her young grandson over her shoulder.
Rather than climb the completely packed grandstand, Debbie and Dan Hoch of Cortez lingered down below to get a better view of their daughters Marie and Elizabeth Hoch, who were riding in Saturday nights show.
“Oh we’re here every year. I like the barrel racing, I like it all. It’s just such a fun event,” said Debbie.