The 5th Annual "Craig" a Success

The stands began to fill, and the crowd was ready for a great show with action and they weren't disappointed. As the heat began to release its intensity, those attending were treated to a fine showing of skills, talents and dedication to a sport that is still alive in rural Montana. The 5th Annual Craig is a rough stock rodeo dedicated in memory of Craig Mangis, a long-time supporter of rodeos, kids, family, and ranch life.

Saturday night's action started out on a "low" level, so to speak, with the Mutton Bustin' riding. Youth were mounted on a sheep, frontwards, backwards, upright or hunkered down, hanging on for dear life for the ride of their life. Spills and chills and dust biting were in line for those mounted on the short-to-the-ground mini and fast-paced wooly critters.

Rough and tough...that's how they came in through the gates to take their chance on staying on the longest. About 15 young-un's took their turns and no one was injured, except maybe a bitter pride moment, when it just wasn't their day to make it to the winner's circle. A herd of young cowboys had plenty of competition from the cowgirls, who gave them a run for the money, forcing them to up their action to win. Young Garrett Green, son of Keith Green, a young cowboy at his first attempt in the stiff competition, emerged as the winner when the tally count was complete. Garrett is a soft-spoken kid from Great Falls, however, his Basque bloodline runs in the hearts of the family, as far back as to his great-great-grandpa, Mitch Oxarart. Garrett won himself bragging rights for a year and a nice buckle.

Another one of the bloodline, his cousin, Teddi Hould, held the lead for a spell, until Garrett rode. The rodeo clown was so impressed with her ride and enthusiasm that he hoisted her up to wave to the applauding crowd.

The rodeo then moved on with the intense action the crowd anticipated and enjoyed. An estimated crowd of 500 saw action with the various events. In the Ranch Bronc category, Cole Rehm won the event. Ernie Desharm was the winner in Saddle Bronc riding. Teams had to catch a wild bronc, throw on a saddle, mount it and ride across a designated finish line. This proved for some wild times and scared and the Reed Team managed to accomplish this mission.

A Calcutta was held and added some extra cash to the winning pots, making some smiles appear on some grimaced and dusty-laden faces.

The crowd threw their support behind some of the locals who cowboyed up to participate in the Bull Poker Run. Ten circles were drawn on the arena ground with white powder and ten young men running on adrenaline, spirits, "or stupidity" took their chance on being the last one standing in their circle when a wild bull was turned out...and when he'd taken a couple out and was bored, a second bull was turned out. Then a third.

Rodeo producer, Jerey McEwen said, "...Corbin (Crnkvich) was the last man standing in his circle when the bulls were done running everybody over. And, yes, I meant BULLS...we ended up turning out FOUR bulls to get them guys completely eradicated from their circles."

To finish off the night's festivities, Kadin Racine was selected the Top Hand and received a buckle. Racine was able to ride four horses that evening.

Bigger n' better than last year and looking forward to next year, McEwen and his fine group of workers, pickup men, clowns, and chute help are making plans for 2025 and this is your invitation to join them for the action next August.