Organizers of the Mapleton Rodeo say last weekend’s inaugural event was a terrific start to what they hope will become an annual tradition in the township.
“We feel it was a huge success,” said rodeo marketing co-chair Ron Funnell.
He estimates 4,000 to 5,000 people took in a variety of events from July 5 to 7 – a total that may have been even higher were it not for some wet weather on the last day of the rodeo.
“For a first-year event, it was amazing to get that type of response from the community,” said Funnell.
He told the Advertiser his phone has been ringing off the hook since the rodeo closed on Sunday afternoon, with people offering very positive feedback.
“I think people really got good value for their admission dollar,” Funnell said.
He explained that in addition to great rodeo events, last weekend’s Mapleton Rodeo also included a lot of other attractions, such as an arm wrestling competition (also “a huge success”) and a reptile show (which organizers said boasted one of the largest crowds they have seen).
Plus about 500 people were served at the family barbecue dinner that opened the weekend on Friday night. And concerts on Friday and Saturday night were also very well attended, Funnell noted.
Proceeds from the event were still being tabulated at press time, but Funnell seemed hopeful the event will be a positive fundraiser for both the Drayton Kinsmen and the Moorefield Optimists going forward.
“One of the biggest highlights was having the two groups work hand-in-hand, which really brought the community together,” Funnell said of the cooperation between the two service clubs.
The groups will have to identify community needs in both Moorefield and Drayton to decide where proceeds from this rodeo – and future events – will go.
“A lot of people don’t realize it, but this is a long-term initiative for the clubs,” Funnell said.
He added the 15-member executive committee, which includes members of both clubs, is extremely thankful for the support of over 100 volunteers, including many high school students, as well as generous sponsors and those who provided in-kind support for the event.
“The community really stepped up,” said Funnell.
“Our group as a whole is absolutely astounded at how many people and businesses in the community came together to support the rodeo.”
The executive committee will enjoy a well-deserved week’s rest, before meeting to recap last weekend’s event.
Then talks will start on the 2014 event, said Funnell, noting the 2013 rodeo was planned in just six months.
“To see this kind of thing come together in this time frame is a pretty astronomical feat,” he said.
Organizers wish to thank everyone who supported the inaugural Mapleton Rodeo, including volunteers, fans, sponsors and participants.
