Dates set for memorial rodeo honoring Gunfighter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The fourth annual Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo will be held at Optimist Park June 26 and 27.

The rodeo is an annual event honoring the memory of 19-year-old Daniel Dopps, a Gunfighter who passed away in August of 2005 from injuries sustained at a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo.

At 7 p.m., prior to both day's events, children ages six to 12 can take part in a calf scramble while children five-years-old and under can take part in a goat tail event. The rodeo will hold sign-ups for both events starting at 6:45 p.m.

During the calf scramble, children will run out into the arena and try to retrieve ribbons tied to the calves. During the goat tail event, children will retrieve ribbons tied to a goat's tail. The children retrieving ribbons will receive prizes for their efforts. All of the children competing in the pre-show events will receive bandanas full of candy.

On Saturday, the rodeo will hold "Pink Shirt" night. As partners with the Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign, the rodeo committee would like everyone attending the rodeo that day to wear pink, signifying their support for cancer research.

This year's rodeo will feature saddle bronco riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and open barrel racing, an event featuring several women barrel racers competing for cash prizes.

"Rodeo was always a big part of Daniel Dopps's life. Anyone who knew Daniel -- and those who were meeting him for the first time -- knew one thing: he was a cowboy in every way," said his mother, Ramona Dopps.

The Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo is a non-profit event, with proceeds going toward local charities and youth organizations in Mountain Home.

"In the last two years, the rodeo has raised more than $10,000 for charities including the Ronald McDonald House, youth scholarships, the Elmore County Youth Foundation and many others," said Mrs. Dopps.

In 2006, Pat O'Maley, Slash T Rodeo Company, and Todd McCurry, owner of Mountain Home Auto Ranch, began plans on bringing a memorial rodeo to Mountain Home. After talking with his family, who became committee members for the rodeo, the first memorial rodeo was held in 2006.

"The Air Force has been so helpful with the rodeo in the last three years," said Mrs. Dopps. "There are a lot of civilian and military members who come to help, and it can only be strong with the help of the community, which we have."

Tickets for the rodeo are available at Mountain Home Auto Ranch, Sinclair Sunset C and D&B Supply. Pre-sale tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for military and seniors, and $5 for children six to 12 years old. Children under five years of age get in free. Tickets at the gate are $9 for adults, $8 for military and $5 for children six to 12 years old.

Parking for the rodeo will be free at the rodeo grounds.