BIG SKY – Under a radiant pink sky and with fans new and old gracing the stands, the Montana State University Rodeo Team provided a unique and unprecedented rodeo experience on July 19 at the Big Sky Rodeo.
The
format of the rodeo, which was produced by Outlaw Partners and Freestone
Productions, began with an educational component. Rodeo participants
demonstrated a selection of rodeo disciplines while rodeo announcer Matt West
explained each event to the audience.
Mutton busting had fans on their feet as little riders fought for the title of champion. PHOTO BY JENNINGS BARMORE
Following
the demonstrations, young rodeo studs-in-the-making took a shot at the events,
including riding mini bulls and mutton busting. MSU athletes closed out the
night and had attendees on their feet as they competed in groups of four in a
winner-take-all style championship round. Winners from each event earned points
toward qualifying for the World Champions Rodeo Alliance, a professional rodeo
competition that offers big money prizes to winners.
While
vying for a spot in a professional rodeo, MSU rodeo athletes also have the
added challenge of attending school as full-time students working toward
degrees. Andy Bolich, the rodeo team’s head coach of five years, counts the
team’s dedication to both academics and the sport as one of its greatest
strengths.
Bolich
was full of praises after the first event of its kind in Big Sky. “It was a
good experience to let people see [the rodeo] lifestyle and share our heritage
with people that probably aren’t that familiar with rodeo,” Bolich said.
No riders claimed victory in the team roping event, but athletes from the roping teams found success in other individual events. PHOTO BY JENNINGS BARMORE
Bolich
added that the winner-take-all style of competition encourages athletes to take
risks and give it their all. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, he
said. But whether they end the night with a victorious ride or not, it is a remarkable
thing to witness.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get
more
Event Details
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
Sky, MT to paint anytime between Jun 1 – 28, and participate in the exhibition
and sale of paintings from June 29 – July 31.
Come join us! We have a great
place to paint and are welcoming and fun!
Don’t miss out!
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 1:00 am - July 31 (Wednesday) 11:55 pm
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary.Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm