In 15th year, Outlaw Partners credits success, growth to gathering community
OUTLAW PARTNERS
Editor’s note: Big Sky PBR is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.
For longtime Big Sky residents and supporters like Martha Johnson, the annual Big Sky PBR is about far more than championship bull riding, but about bringing the community together. From locals and seasonal homeowners to first-time visitors, the event has become a gathering place where “you’re not meeting strangers, you’re meeting neighbors,” as Johnson put it.
Outlaw Partners and Big Sky PBR earned Professional Bull Riders’ Event of the Year honor for the 12th consecutive time. The award was presented Thursday, May 14, during the PBR World Finals in Dallas, Texas, cementing Big Sky PBR’s reputation as one of the premier events on the national circuit.
Produced by Outlaw Partners and Freestone Productions, Big Sky PBR has become known for its electric atmosphere in an intimate outdoor arena beneath Lone Mountain, drawing elite riders and fans from across the country each summer. But for longtime sponsors and attendees like Johnson, the heart of the event lies in what it gives back to the community.
“It’s the event that brings the community together from all nooks and crannies of the community,” Johnson said. “As the great community uniter, I love to be a part of that.”
Johnson, a real estate agent and broker, said one of her favorite traditions is inviting newcomers or longtime residents who have never attended to join her group at the event to provide them with an authentic Big Sky experience. Watching people reconnect with the energy of the weekend, she said, is a special moment to watch.
“What it does is reignite their enthusiasm for moving to Big Sky because it’s an event that brings community to Big Sky,” she said.
Steve Anglin, co-founder of Smith Anglin Financial, a regular supporter of the annual event, adds that the enthusiasm extends to family.
“I’ve brought friends family, everyone,” he said of attending Big Sky PBR. “One of the things that is funny is my kids will move mountains to come to Big Sky PBR, more than Thanksgiving or Christmas. They’ll be in Big Sky PBR every July.”
The success he’s noticed over the years of attending and sponsoring the event, is due to two things.
“One, the Outlaw team is really passionate about the event because it’s a fundraiser and so it has charitable intent and I think that the second reason is they’re really focused on taking care of the cowboys,” he said. “They pour their spirit into it.”
He adds that it doesn’t hurt being in “the most beautiful place in the world.”
Big Sky PBR will take place July 17, 18 and 19 this year, as part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week, a series of family-friendly events at the Big Sky Events Arena. Other events include the Big Sky Community Rodeo, Running of the Bulls trail race, Community Day and Mutton Bustin’, Dick Allgood Community BINGO night and of course, a lineup of live music featuring Dylan Gossett and Alana Springsteen. A full lineup of events can be found at bigskypbr.com.
Beyond the competition on the dirt, Johnson believes the event also celebrates the culture and heritage of the American West. From the riders and stock contractors to fans dusting off cowboy boots—and some wearing them for the first time—she said the event keeps that Western spirit alive.
“I think it brings back the romance of the cowboy,” Johnson said. “It’s important to keep that culture alive.”
