Hometown Champion, Shad Mayfield, ready to compete
“We’ve been waiting two years to have our 50th Annual Pioneer Days Rodeo, and we couldn’t be more excited to have the Cervi Championship Rodeo here in Clovis to help us bring it back.”
On June 2-4, the Curry County Mounted Patrol put on the 50th Annual Pioneer Days Rodeo in Clovis, New Mexico, and it was an exciting one!
The Pioneer Days Rodeo has been on a two year break due to the Covid pandemic, which made this year even more special.
Richard Hadley is the President of the Mounted Patrol, shared with enthusiasm,“We’ve been waiting two years to have our 50th Annual Pioneer Days Rodeo, and we couldn’t be more excited to have the Cervi Championship Rodeo here in Clovis to help us bring it back.”
He went on to say the sponsors have really made a difference, and thanked Pattern Energy for being a sponsor to help bring the rodeo back.
The Curry County Mounted Patrol
The Curry County Mounted Patrol was started in 1939 by J.R. (Jack) Hull.
As men from Curry County got drafted into WWII, the local Sheriff deputized members of the Mounted Patrol to serve as auxiliary law enforcement should they be called upon.
As time went on, the MP put on western entertainment like rodeos and steer roping competitions.
The MP started putting on barbecues and organized dinners to raise money which culminated in the MP purchasing sixty acres of land in 1970 that they donated to the Curry County Commissioners. The Commissioners built the rodeo arena on the present day fairgrounds, and the rest is history!
Members of the Curry County Mounted Patrol
Family Fun for the Community
The Rodeo is a family friendly event held at the Curry County Events Center on the fairgrounds. ATVs were available to win via raffle, there was a parade downtown celebrating the rodeo, and cowboys from near and far came to compete.
The Rodeo Queens were on hand for the Community Breakfast held Friday morning, as was the Mayor, Michael Morris.
“We are all excited to have the Rodeo back in Clovis,” the Mayor told me, “and to welcome the world to our great community!”
The Parade featured the Clovis High School Wildcat Marching Band, along with an appearance from the Mounted Patrol and other local officials and celebrities.
Fun and Support with a Purpose
In addition to a great three days, each night had a specific theme: Thursday was Military Appreciation night, Friday was Breast Cancer Awareness and Saturday night was First Responders Appreciation night.
Ernie Kos, the Executive Director of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, was also visibly excited. “We’ve been waiting, and now we’re open and inviting the world to come to Clovis!”
Footage
Be sure to follow Pattern Energy New Mexico on social media, as we’ll be sharing pictures and videos from all the festivities in Clovis, New Mexico!