story by Siri Stevens
The Trinidad Roundup has been a Labor Day Rodeo for 107 years. “It started in conjunction with the county fair,” said Bill Burh, who has been involved with the rodeo since 1982.. “It was the last big hoorah before school started; we still fill our stands on a Monday afternoon, even though the fair has moved its dates. The people all come back for it – it’s a big reunion. The people that grew up there come back to visit.”
Bill and his wife, Karen, have been involved with rodeo for more than 30 years. Bill was a rough stock rider before becoming a judge. He judged the Colorado Pro Rodeo Finals for seven year, and had been judging for 25 years when he stopped three years ago. The couple ranches east of Trinidad, living at the same place he’s been since 1953. “The Trinidad Roundup has been part of our family forever. We’ve had McCloy Rodeo Company as the stock contractor the entire time. He’s the son-in-law of LD Ward, who had it to start with.”
Westernaires – Brad Kirby
This year is the first year in ten years that the rodeo is KPRA first approved. “We started as a KPRA rodeo, then went to Texas, where we were rodeo of the year. The rodeo was CPRA for ten years until this year. ”I like the amateur rodeos because we get the locals that bring people to town.”
In addition to the rodeo, there is a parade on Monday morning, with more than 50 entries. “The parade lasts a good hour. The Westernaires have been coming; this is their 57th year. The dance is Saturday night, before the rodeo starts on Sunday and Monday.”
The town pulls together to put $500 per event. “All the businesses get hit all the time, so by Labor Day they are donated out – and there’s still those that are loyal donators.”
