 I
am honored to be selected as Parade Marshall for the 50th Anniversary 101 Wild
West Rodeo. It doesn't seem that long ago that I worked with my father, Allan
Muchmore, who was president of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce as he
coordinated the efforts for the first modern day rodeo in 1960.
The secret that year and every year since has been the dedicated work of many
volunteers and help from businesses and ranchers throughout the area.
Although most of the group had no idea how to put on a rodeo but they believed
it would be good for Ponca City and Kay County and they bent to the task of
learning how and making it happen. That group laid the ground work for what is
now one of the premier events in our area.
My brothers and I helped as much as we could at the time but we marveled at the
abilities and tenacity of those who were making things happen. Whenever a
certain ability or special knowledge was needed, someone knew someone who could
handle the situation.
The organizers did misjudge the popularity of the rodeo however. I recall
watching my father with some trepidation as he waded out into a crowd of very
unhappy people who had tickets that first night but couldn't get in because the
seating was filled. He offered refunds and promised everyone that their tickets
were good for any of the three performances. It turned out they needed to add a
fourth performance on Monday to accommodate everyone. I was proud of the way he
worked with the crowd to calm a potentially bad situation.
So many other memories crowd in. Jimmie Adams the thrilling Roman Rider and Bill
O’Connor the announcer. We had fun selling programs and running errands for
whomever needed them. It was an exciting time for all of us.
Lastly, I remember being thrilled to meet James Garner, the Grand Marshall that
year. He was as nice and down to earth as anyone could hope. He participated in
everything he was asked to attend and always had time for those who came to see
him. A class act all the way around.
Little did I realize the rodeo would become the permanent event that it has.
Those who worked so hard had the vision and the desire to make it happen and
they would be more than pleased with the result.
|
