ProRodeo Sports News - June 26, 2020

SHORT ROUND ProRodeo Hall of Fame welcomes back patrons Hall Open Again

T he ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy reopened its doors to visitors June 22, 91 days after closing due to the coronavirus lockdown. The museum will adhere to the health and safety guidelines approved by the El Paso County Public Health Department including social distancing guidelines, cleaning guidelines, safety policies, etc. “We are beyond thrilled to make this announcement,” said Hall of Fame Director Kent Sturman. “It has been a long time coming. We are looking forward to welcoming the public back to our museum. The health and safety of our staff, visitors and attendees is our priority. We have adopted two dozen policies and procedures to ensure that we will reopen the museum in the safest way possible.” The approved safety plan is available on the Hall of Fame’s website and at the admissions desk in the museum. Water fountains, touch screens and the Little Champions Arena will remain closed and off limits due to health department guidelines. The museum will not open the livestock exhibit this summer since it is already so late in the season. All other areas

of the museum will be open to the public. The Hall of Fame will open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will extend those hours through Sept. 30. Traditionally, the museum returns to winter hours on Sept. 1, closing Mondays and Tuesdays

A new exhibit is in the 101 Gallery at the museum and is ready for guests to enjoy. Entitled “Let’s Rodeo … The Art of Rodeo Posters,” the exhibit features a selection of posters ranging from the 1910s through 2019. Through its 100-year history, rodeo promotion has taken many forms. One of the most persistent forms is the rodeo poster. The posters featured in the gallery are from artists such as Larry Pirnie, Dave Merrick, Mike Scovel and Buck Taylor. Visitors can stay up to date on any changes to the museum’s safety procedures, exhibits and upcoming events on its newly designed website at www.prorodeohalloffame.com. Canadian Finals Rodeo canceled for 2020 The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, Westerner Park and the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce made the decision to postpone this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo until 2021. With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 related health guidelines and the cancellation of many qualifying rodeos this summer, they determined the standard of excellence and quality of experience that fans and competitors expect from the Canadian Finals Rodeo would not be achievable this year. CFR is a national championship rodeo, scheduled to run Nov. 3-8. The world-class rodeo consistently attracts the best contestants and stock in Canada and more than 43,000 attendees. The six-day event contributes an economic impact of about $37 million. “The health, safety and protection of our athletes, animals and guests is always our top priority,” said Jeff Robson, General Manager of the CPRA. “During these uncertain times, and considering the pandemic, economic instability and reality of the extensive preparation that goes into a successful rodeo, we know it is the right decision to postpone this year’s event.”

J.R. Vezain continues to progress in recovery from his 2018 injury This fall will mark two years since

bareback rider J.R. Vezain suffered a broken back after riding Frontier Rodeo Company’s Brazos Bash, Sept. 22, 2018, at the Pasadena (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo. The injury required surgery and left Vezain with mobility issues from the waist down. In February, Vezain traveled to Panama

City, Panama, for stem cell treatment, receiving intrinsic injections in his spinal column and intravenous injections in his arm for localized healing. “Everything went pretty smoothly,” said Vezain, 28. “I’ve noticed I have a little bit more control and consistent movement, but other than that it’s still just a slow process of healing.” Although the Melstone, Mont., cowboy isn’t walking yet, he continues to set goals to get there and said he is on the up. Vezain, a six-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2012-14, 2016-18), spent six months at a rehabilitation facility in Sandy, Utah, after the accident. He’s continued rehab exercises at his home gym, with his next goal being able to stand on his own. Vezain

ProRodeo Sports News 6/26/2020

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