While volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and genders, the Reno Rodeo agrees they may look best in a cowboy hat. Theorganization has more than 1000 active and wildly dedicated volunteers, which truly is the association’s powerhouse to put on a phenomenal community-wide, 10-day event each June.
“Community outreach - rodeo or other - is important,” says Greg Goss, a volunteer and member of the association for over 15 years. While he has taken to the art of the cattle drive, his wife, Cara is also heavily involved as a member and assistant chair of the marketing, advertising, and public relations committee.
“Honestly, I found a group of people I liked, was put to work, and just stuck with it. You’ll meet more lifelong friends you share interests with [volunteering] than you would in several other lifetimes,” Greg adds.
While 1000 people may seem like a lot to wrangle, the Reno Rodeo is a well-oiled and well-organized machine with over 50 volunteer committees and a thoughtful application process.
History & Herstory
While the 1000 active volunteers include a diverse group of wranglers, members, directors, and past presidents, none of those past presidents in the association’s 105-year history were women—until now. Cue Carrie Ann Sattler, the current, youngest, and first female Reno Rodeo Association president.
Sattler joined the organization in 2004 and she has made great impact on it ever since. In 2014, Carrie Ann became a director and as the chair of the sponsors committee from 2016-2021, she realized a 447 percent increase in sponsorship dollars.
“One strength of those involved in the western way of life is that when times get tough, there is enough fortitude, loyalty and commitment to see challenges through to a better tomorrow,” says Sattler. “In the last decade we have seen our supporters, including volunteers, staff, contractors, sponsors, contestants, and our industry as a whole rise to new heights and invest themselves, their time, and their finances in support of the Reno Rodeo. Our mentality is an ‘ever-forward’ state of mind!”
This mindset and Sattler’s incredible fundraising efforts earned her an Award of Merit buckle in 2016 and the sought-after Silver Spurs the following year. It ultimately led to her historic presidency this year.
“Being President of the Reno Rodeo is an incredibly dynamic feeling,” says Sattler. “It’s humbling, challenging, exciting, and hard to describe. Overall, it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever been afforded, and I am honored.”
Another aspect of celebrating and encouraging women to champion big roles is the Miss Reno Rodeo Pageant, this year scheduled for June 12-14. Contestants are encouraged to uphold integrity, honesty, reliability, and legacy and are evaluated on public speaking, horsemanship skills, as well as knowledge of equine and rodeo topics.
“It prepares you for life in ways you’d never expect,” says Lauren Neil, Miss Reno Rodeo 2010, Miss Rodeo Nevada 2010, daughter of 1st VP Jim, and avid Reno Rodeo volunteer. “We want more girls to know that they can get involved.”
Home Means Nevada
This theme of honor and pride to serve is one consistent through the Reno Rodeo’s volunteers and staff. From higher up positions to committee members and even rodeo cowboys, many echo Sattler’s sentiment: Nevada and rodeo pride, from the high desert climate and western way of life to the passion of working with and for the rodeo’s animal athletes.
“Pride in Nevada is very rich in our family,” says Greg. “We need to focus on remembering the heritage of our area - it was a ranching and farming community … and if our 10-day event reminds people of that, I think that’s huge.”
And whether you’re a first-generation Nevadan, as Sattler is, or Nevada-born and raised like Jim who traded his suit and successful financial/banking career for cowboy boots, it’s one thing many have in common. “The power of our community and the fabric built on relationships here is deeply meaningful,” says Sattler.
Everyone who has interest and meets the requirements is welcome to apply to volunteer with the Reno Rodeo, and truly become a part of something bigger than themselves. Regardless, the Reno Rodeo Association invites you to the 2024 event, which runs June 20 - 29.
The Main Event
While there are countless aspects to the Reno Rodeo, including but certainly not limited to community outreach, the Reno Rodeo Foundation, and year-long planning, one we cannot forget to talk about is the event itself! One individual perfectly suited (or should I say the boots fit?) to get you in the rodeo-spirit is Wyatt Denny, a 28-year-old professional bareback rider that lives in Minden and will represent many locals competing this year.
“I have been going to the Reno Rodeo since I was a kid,” says Denny. And that Nevada pride we’ve been talking about. Yeah, he’s got that, too.
“Everyone talks about the atmosphere of their rodeo, but there’s something different about Reno,” says Denny. “It’s such an intense vibe to be getting on a buckin’ horse as the sun is setting and you feel the energy of crowd. There’s no better feeling than my name being announced over the speakers and the whole city cheering, regardless of if they know me or not. With that electricity in the air, any cowboy could get their motor running.”
Upcoming Reno Rodeo
June 20 - 29, 2024
Reno Livestock Event Center Outdoor Arena
350 N Wells Avenue Reno, NV 89512
Tickets & Information: https://renorodeo.evenue.net/
(775) 329-3877
Don’t miss this 10-day extravaganza beaming with Nevada heritage, family fun, and expertise from professional rodeo cowboys, cowgirls, and animal athletes. From events such as extreme bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, mutton busting, and elite flag and drill teams to carnival rides, an onsite marketplace, fluffy funnel cake, and cold beer, the Reno Rodeo has it all. What’s more, the Reno Rodeo Kick-Off concert will feature multi-platinum artist Russell Dickerson on Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. Claim your tickets early as selling out is common. Additional event and concert details on the website above.
“The Reno Rodeo brings people together,” - Jim Neil
“It’s about finding time to give back to the community - thanklessly,” Greg Goss