MONTE VISTA— Angry, mean and muscular bucking bulls will make their way into town beginning this Saturday, April 27. They will be part of the Spring in the Valley Rodeo Series that will be held at Ski Hi Park for the next four consecutive Saturday afternoons.
The rodeo entertainment will once again be put on by Burris and Sons Bucking Bulls. The series is one of the many events the rodeo organization will hold throughout the spring and summer in the San Luis Valley which also includes Creede Chute Out, South Fork rodeos, Futurity on the Rio Grande and the Jason McClain Bull Riding School.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announcer Shane Burris of Mosca raises the bucking bulls and organizes the rodeo events. Burris attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., obtained an associates degree then transferred to the University of Wyoming earning a degree in Agricultural Business. Burris began rodeo announcing in 1994. After close to a decade working amateur rodeos he became a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announcer in 2003.
Burris purchased some cows with rodeo genetics with the goal of raising bucking bulls. Burris and his father began raising their livestock and called their business Burris and Sons Bucking Bulls. In a few short years the rodeo organization has produced several amateur and professional rodeos which are becoming increasingly well-known and respected in the region.
The bull riding school, started in 2012, is held every spring at Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista and is of particular note. Named after Jason McClain of Cortez, a six-time participant in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the school has graduated promising young bull riders. Every year McClain himself attends and instructs the students at the school. The school has grown over the last few years and become nationally recognized. Students attend not only from the Valley, but include learners from other parts of Colorado, Arizona and Wyoming.
The rodeo series Burris and his organization organize every year is very entertaining to the steadily growing crowds. Burris has a signature style of announcing while on horseback and provides a lively and fun interaction with the crowd. Cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash prizes and buckles.
Rodeo enthusiasts are entertained by amateurs, semi-professionals and children competing in traditional events such as open bull riding, novice bull riding, bull roping, open barrel racing, ribbon roping, mutton busting, barrel racing, sheep roping and team calf roping.
The first rodeo kicks off this Saturday, April 27 beginning at 2 p.m. at Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista.