Opening performance of the 33rd annual International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee is just a little over two months away.
Entries opened on April 1 and they close on June 13.
But things could be a little different for this year’s IFYR. Pottawatomie County now controls this year’s rodeo but once again the Yerigan and the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) has been contracted with to completely run and oversee the IFYR just like it has for the last several years.
A number of contestants from Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties always compete in the annual IFYR and some have taken home good money throughout the years.
The difference is the county controls it, no longer does the city of Shawnee have any control of it.
District 1 Pottawatomie County Commissioner Melissa Dennis stresses that Yerigan and the IPRA are running the show. Personally, I’m glad to see that because I believe whatever Yerigan might need from the county he’ll receive it without hesitation.
Dennis said the county is helping provide sponsorships, will help with welcome bags. Pointing to Yerigan she noted, “He kind of meets with us randomly.”
She emphasized, “The Expo Center is apart from us. We’re paying the Oakview Group, $179,000 to hold the rodeo at the Expo.” The Oakview Group is the entity the city of Shawnee has a contract with to oversee day to day operations of the Expo Center.
As Dennis sees it, “We think it will run a little smoother. This is the first time the county is paying for it. We’re going to have additional activities for the kids,” she added, saying, “like a band.”
I think it’s sad that Pottawatomie County is having to pay anything much less $179,000 for the rodeo to be held at the Expo Center. But that’s because somehow the designation of the IFYR as a legacy event apparently no longer is in effect.
Several years ago when the City of Shawnee first contracted with what was then Spectra to oversee daily operations at the Expo it was promised that three annual events held there would be free of charge. Those included the Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show, the IFYR and the annual Pottawatomie County Free Fair.
And that is the way it’s been for a number of years.
But somewhere, somehow that all changed recently. I don’t think it’s right. I hope the City’s mayor Eric Stephens, who was elected last year, and some of the others who sit on the Shawnee City Commission will restore the designation of those three events whenever it’s possible.
In the meantime, the county has to live with it, even though it doesn’t seem right.
Still, this year’s IFYR promises to be good, especially with the county’s involvement in it.