The Fair and Rodeo officials are moving forward despite pandemic

LaMont Poulsen has been rodeo chairman for the Cache County Fair and Rodeo for 18 years is standing with his horse on his Smithfield ranch. He and the other rodeo officials are moving forward with this year's cowboy competition.

LOGAN – Yes, the 141st Cache County Fair and Rodeo is going to happen, said LaMont Poulsen the rodeo chairman. Banners are being put up all over the valley and the fair personnel are getting ready to host an event that will bring some sunshine into a virus infected world.

Posters and banners are posted across the valley to inform residents that the the fair and rodeo is on.

We’ve had great support from the sponsors, the county and the rodeo committee to make it happen,” Poulsen said. “I think the community needs a rodeo.”

The PRCA Rodeo will be held Wednesday, August 5, through Saturday, August 8 starting at 8 p.m. every evening at the fairgrounds, located at 490 S. 500 W. in Logan. The fair will begin on Thursday, August 6.

Another day of rodeo competition was added to accommodate the larger than usual number of cowboys who came to Logan to compete.

“Because Preston decided not to hold theirs, everyone assumed everyone else was going to shut down,” Poulsen said. “Tremonton, Burley and Gooding are also moving ahead with their rodeos.”

Fair grounds full of people at the 2018 Cache County Fair and Rodeo.

Barrel racing was added to the Extreme Broncs on Wednesday evening to give more chances for participants to compete.

“We have some of the top cowboys in the country coming to our rodeo this year,” he said. “We have good prize money and there are lot of them out there because many of the rodeos have closed due to the virus.”

Poulsen said there are 275 cowboys coming so they needed to add an extra 20 hours of slack.

J.J. Harrison, one of the top barrel-men and rodeo clowns in the country, has agreed to come this year,” he said. “Bar-T will provide the stock contractor this year.”

Poulsen said Bar-T is the best stock contractor around and they are all from Utah.

The Cache County Royalty contest was held on May 23 and this year’s Rodeo Royalty are Savannah Straatman, First Attendant; Aspen Hunter was crowned Queen; Kendyl Reeder was named Jr, Queen; Taya Hess was named Princess; and, Greenlee Christensen was named Jr. Princess.

The usual local entertainment is scheduled for the stage during the fair.

The Cache Valley Rodeo has not lost money since Lamont Poulson to the reins in 2001.

“We have Little Texas performing on Saturday night and the carnival and their rides will be back,” Poulsen added. “We are doing everything possible to make the fair and rodeo as safe for everybody who attends.

“We have talked to the Bear River Health Department people and told them to what level we are selling seats,” he said. “It is recommended people who attend the rodeo wear face masks.”

If people are inclined not to wear a mask, it’s okay. Masks are recommended, but are not mandated, so don’t get mad if someone sits next to you and they don’t have a mask, Poulsen said.

“If I was elderly with a health situation, I might not go sit int the stands with a bunch of people next to me,” he added. “The numbers in Cache Valley for the coronavirus are pretty low right now.”

Tickets will cost $12 for reserved and $17 for covered seating.

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51 Comments

  • Marty Mickelson July 10, 2020 at 6:57 pm Reply

    Good Job Rodeo Committee. Happy to hear someone has some sense of getting back to normal.

  • S July 10, 2020 at 8:20 pm Reply

    I could go on ALL day with comments such as DuMb ….. IGnOrant…..selFiSh….and the LiST goes On and On……as I just finished an article in regards to steady.. high numbers and more hospitalizations. Good luck! with all that GaRbAgE ..and I’ll follow up in about 3 weeks and see the damage from this rodeo?!?

    • Prince Albert July 13, 2020 at 8:49 pm Reply

      Will you please wait three weeks before you whine about this again.

  • Pburt July 10, 2020 at 10:17 pm Reply

    This is so irresponsible! Bringing many hundreds into town will hugely increase risk of infection. But sell your neighbors’ lives for profit!
    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
    Mark 8:36

  • Herm Olsen July 11, 2020 at 7:31 am Reply

    “If I was elderly . . . I might not go sit in the stands.” Lamont, you ARE elderly. Dave Erickson said to me: “We trust and expect that people will be responsible” in defending the decision to proceed. But not mandating masks guarantees people will already not be responsible. You and the County officials are being foolish about this. I am really disappointed in you all. And don’t allow comments from people who don’t have the courage to sign their own names. That is cowardly.

  • T.C July 11, 2020 at 8:10 am Reply

    Thanks Cache county for giving us a bit of normal in the year of bovine feces! I’m soooo excited to see this still going on! We in the community needed this! Those who are worried about the virus can stay home and wait it out… As for the rest of us we need to still live and make memories!

  • K Smith July 11, 2020 at 8:22 am Reply

    This is the stupidest decision that could have ever been made! Have fun cache valley being completely shut down 2-3 weeks after this disaster. Seriously stupid

    • Prince Albert July 18, 2020 at 9:44 am Reply

      Voting for Biden would actually be the stupidest decision ever made. A close second would be believing the you were intelligent.

  • CargoDeltaNiner July 11, 2020 at 8:40 am Reply

    Foolish and irresponsible. The county fair should exhibit support for a community, not reckless disregard.

  • M July 11, 2020 at 10:44 am Reply

    Stupidity at its finest. Can’t believe you want to risk it! The numbers have been consistently increasing throughout Utah and having a rodeo won’t help! It will add to the increasing numbers. Don’t you care about the people around you? The Covid19 affects more than tyre lungs. All organs are being affected and for who knows how long? For many years after having the disease? The top cowboys and rodeo people can come next year but there may not be a next year.

  • steve July 11, 2020 at 10:56 am Reply

    And greed wins again.

  • Neal L July 11, 2020 at 11:44 am Reply

    Notifying the Bear River Health Department that the rodeo is going forward with or without their stamp of approval, and gaining their support for the event are two very different things LaMont. And as you stated you’re suggesting masks in the same breath declaring ‘but they’re not required’, that doesn’t exactly exude a lot of confidence that you take those recommendations seriously. But then again, that’s to be expected when you’re under the belief that the numbers for coronavirus here in Cache valley are pretty low.

    https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2020/07/10/utah-hospitals-call-on-statewide-mask-mandate-as-beds-fill/#.Xwn4GGlMHqs

  • Eric Mills July 11, 2020 at 12:29 pm Reply

    So animal welfare and the public health be damned, hey? Is this REALLY “the cowboy way”? I wonder how many of the participants/attendees will be left alive to vote in November……

    Be aware that EVERY animal welfare organization in North America condemns rodeo due to its inherent cruelty. For most of these abused creatures, the rodeo arena is merely a detour en route to the slaughterhouse. Some “sport”! Indeed, rodeo is not as “sport” at all–it’s a macho exercise in DOMINATION, having nothing to do with either agriculture or life on a working ranch–it’s all hype.

    See link below to a new, prize-winning rodeo documentary short, “BUCKING TRADITION” – also available on YouTube:

    https://www.actionforanimals-oakland.com

  • Peggy W Larson, DVM MS JD July 11, 2020 at 12:52 pm Reply

    Aside from the dangers to humans from the coronavirus, animals should not be injured or killed for entertainment and that is what rodeo is. It bears no resemblance to ranching. I grew up on a cattle ranch in North Dakota and spent 8 years as a ranch veterinarian there. My ranch clients did not ride bulls, speed rope calves or make their expensive horses buck. Rodeo is not American “tradition”.

  • Lynn Gallagher July 11, 2020 at 12:56 pm Reply

    Rodeo is animal abuse for profit and entertainment. It is a spectacle of domination of innocent animals.
    It’s should end. Apparently you don’t care about human health either. Disgusting!

  • Jonny ordaz July 11, 2020 at 1:05 pm Reply

    This is incredibly irresponsible. The rodeo/ fair are fun cache valley traditions and its understandable that the committee would like to stick to it, but while our numbers are looking the way they do it’s not smart to put everyone at risk.

  • Jim Erven July 11, 2020 at 1:09 pm Reply

    Shocked to read that this is taking place. This is the very reason that the health care system will be completely overwhelmed in the coming months and people will not be able to get the care they need. Many will likely die so that these buffoons can have their rodeo and other events just like it. Glad I don’t live there, sad that my mother-in-law undergoing chemotherapy In Logan does. Just plain irresponsible. The Health Department in Cache County should be ashamed of themselves for not using the authorities AND DUTIES of the Health Officer to regulate an event like this more responsibly.

  • empathyrules July 11, 2020 at 1:29 pm Reply

    Let’s take a look at some quotes in this article–

    “That will bring some sunshine into a virus infected world…” There is no sunshine for the poor animal
    victims who are brutalized for the entertainment of some people who have no ability to feel empathy for
    the animals who experience physical and emotional harm at rodeos.. Indeed, the people who are doing this to animals and the people who enjoy watching animals being chased, thrown, and hurt do not see the animals as sentient beings.

    “The community needs a rodeo.” No, it does not. People, including children, do not need to take part in and cheer on violence and suffering.

    “If people are inclined not to wear a mask, it’s okay. No, it is not. Wearing a mask protects the wearer
    and everyone else from a highly contagious and devastating virus. It should be noted that all recent reports on people who have had the virus speak of long term negative health consequences.

    “If I was elderly with a health situation, I might not go sit in the stands with a bunch of people next to me.”
    Thousands of young people with no previous health problems are getting the coronavirus and many have died from it.

    It is clear that people who do not give a damn about animals are not able to care for people as well.

  • Linda Middlesworth July 11, 2020 at 3:24 pm Reply

    Not only is this dangerous for humans, but rodeos are CRUEL to animals. These sentient animals deserve to be free of pain. They do not choose to be there. It is all about people making money off the backs of these babies. You would not do this to your dogs, so stop the suffering now and STOP all rodeos. They cry, they feel and you do not care. Leave them alone and make your money with humans who CHOSE to be there.

  • Bee Simpson July 11, 2020 at 5:06 pm Reply

    Yes, sad to think the freak show shall go on. Sad for the humans newly exposed to a dealy virus, and sad for the animals who will be tormented to perform. This spectacle is not a sport, so please shut up with that one. A sport is a contest between willing, evenly-matched participants. The animals signed no contract, receive no benefits and if injured they will most likely be killed. No sane person believes any past or present “ranch” treats their animals like this. It is as phoney as a three dollar bill.

  • Brent Crosbie July 11, 2020 at 5:49 pm Reply

    This is utterly the most ridiculous decision ever! LaMont Pouslen and the County Counsel (with the exception of Jon White) need a swift mule kick in their proverbial rears. To quote LaMont, “If people are inclined not to wear a mask, it’s okay. Masks are recommended, but are not mandated, so don’t get mad if someone sits next to you and they don’t have a mask, Poulsen said.” Don’t get mad!!! Talk about narrow-minded, selfish indIviduals – people with no knowledge regarding the virulence of this disease – all for the sake of the mighty buck. This event should never happen!
    I just want to pass this thought along:
    “Man, all these doctors, nurses, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and other researchers keep saying COVD-19 is dangerous and that we need to socially distance and wear masks, but all of these people who barely passed science in high school keep saying (LaMont is no doubt one of them) it’s not. It’s so hard to know who to believe anymore”.

  • VG July 11, 2020 at 7:28 pm Reply

    People just don’t get it. This virus is very contagious. The governor has asked us to be responsible and this certainly isn’t. Person’s positive cases of Covid 19 are lower by far than Cache Valley’s and they cancelled. Kudos to them go doing the smart thing. It isn’t all about the money.I
    VG

    • VG July 12, 2020 at 9:28 pm Reply

      That should be Preston’s.

  • Debbie Speedy July 11, 2020 at 7:46 pm Reply

    I am very disappointed in the people in charge of this. And to say a mask is not mandated…that puts everyone at risk! Just the fact that those that are asymptomatic are actively spreading virus a in the air. Let’s wear a mask to help keep the susceptible Safe! Stop thinking only of yourself! If someone you love gets the infection and dies from it, that is NOT something I am able to live with! The real question is WHY ARE YOU???????

  • Debbie Speedy July 11, 2020 at 7:54 pm Reply

    Selfish is a good way to describe it!
    Whatever happened to looking out for your neighbor? A mask is an easy thing to wear to save a life!!!!!

  • Blayne July 11, 2020 at 11:44 pm Reply

    Glad to read the rodeo will happen! Of course the haters will hate. But I’m pretty sure you’ll see them at Wal Mart several times per week, spreading kung flu. They are all hypocrites.

  • Jennofur OConnor July 12, 2020 at 1:50 am Reply

    The rodeo should be cancelled permanently. Tormenting animals for “fun” is condemned by everyone with a conscience.

  • Deedee July 12, 2020 at 9:02 am Reply

    Too many are afraid of dying that they forget to live. Great job moving forward. Eat your vitamins and enjoy the fair. See you there (unless you choose to stay home which you can, you have the freedom to choose and so do those going. They know the risk, they have studied the News, no need to call them names, they are making informed decisions for themselves which doesn’t mean you have to follow but you also do not need to be upset because they do not live in fear).

  • Alvin Stein July 12, 2020 at 10:45 am Reply

    Rodeo is not respected any more in many parts of the World because too many as in this case putting personal profits over safety.

  • Blayne July 12, 2020 at 4:39 pm Reply

    Where were all you cry babies when black lives matter was burning down buildings and spreading the virus? Not to mention all the other diseases that crowd carries. Not a word from any of you. If you don’t agree, don’t go to the rodeo. The more people wear masks, the higher the covid numbers seem to rise. Masks are just one more thing they will realize they got wrong about this virus

  • Jamie July 12, 2020 at 5:30 pm Reply

    Shame on all you people with your rude comments. Just because others choose not to have the same beliefs as you do does not give you the right to bully others into believing something that to them, does not make a lick of sense. Its not about profit it’s about small business survival. If you’re so fearful don’t go, stay home or wear a mask, if you think that helps. Don’t sit there and comment rudely towards what others are trying to do to survive this. There is more than one way to fight this. Some of us just don’t believe it’s staying home and covering our faces and being scared for the duration of how ever long they choose to feed us full of material in which doesn’t make any sense nor has any true connection of sense. Think before you speak if you choose to believe in something then that’s great. Don’t sit there and be disrespectful towards those who choose a different path then you. No one is hurting you any… If you think what your doing is helping then great do it but don’t speak unkindly towards others because they don’t.

    • Peter pumper July 17, 2020 at 4:59 pm Reply

      Your an idiot

      • Blayne July 17, 2020 at 10:56 pm Reply

        Says the guy who can’t use you’re in the right context

  • Bob July 12, 2020 at 6:29 pm Reply

    So what’s the plan in a few weeks when the Logan hospital reaches capacity and there are no more ICU beds?

    What happens when you take your parents/grandparents to the hospital because they are having chest pain or trouble breathing and the hospital turns you away because it’s full?

    What’s the plan then???

    • Blayne July 12, 2020 at 9:25 pm Reply

      Let’s cross that bridge in a few weeks, ok Bob?

  • Deedee July 12, 2020 at 6:50 pm Reply

    I totally agree Jamie. Wish there was a like button. Bob, there are many things that can be done. Doctors have spoken out on procedures that have worked every single time. Research a little and you’ll find information on how to be prepared and healthy. No need to live in fear with all the what if’s. Enjoy the Moment.

  • Jillian Dunham July 13, 2020 at 11:41 am Reply

    Everyone will come in contact with this virus eventually, life needs to move on. Thanks Lamont for sticking up for the Rodeo family! Can’t wait to watch!

  • John July 13, 2020 at 3:02 pm Reply

    This decision threatens the health of residents of our county, state and surrounding states. How irresponsible. I want to put this pandemic behind us, but when we keep doing the kinds of things that continue to place us in jeopardy of continuous spikes it just makes me angry. We’ll be dealing with this for longer than necessary because our leaders don’t have the spine to mandate masking in public. This event should be cancelled! I won’t attend, but those who do will still place me in jeopardy by spreading the virus.
    Shameful and reckless!

    • Eric Mills July 13, 2020 at 5:26 pm Reply

      As the bumper strip says, “Humans are not the only species on the planet, we just act like it.”

  • Chantel July 14, 2020 at 3:17 am Reply

    Thanks for putting normalcy in my life I will be there!

  • Clint R. July 15, 2020 at 4:59 pm Reply

    Hopefully Gordon Zilles will be in attendance.

  • Kirk Peterson July 16, 2020 at 3:48 pm Reply

    I think the decision to hold the Cache County Fair and Rodeo is reckless with the present covid-19 pandemic running rampant across much of the USA. Even though the infection rates are now starting to decline in Cache Valley at this time, it’s totally irresponsible to hold this community event. Preston, Ogden, Salt Lake City have all cancelled their Rodeos. Most of the folks attending the Cache County Fair and Rodeo will not wearing masks or practice social distancing which will promote the opportunity for community spread. This will be especially dangerous to the Latino community who are a greater risk for health complications from the corona-virus. Oh well… full steam ahead, blast common sense! Yes… we all want to get back to normal, however holding this event is going to have the exact opposite effect!

  • AH July 16, 2020 at 7:52 pm Reply

    I just lost all respect for Mr. Poulson. His selfish, childish comments, and disregard for his fellow man, show nothing but blatant irresponsibility!

    • Prince Albert July 18, 2020 at 9:56 am Reply

      I’m sure he doesn’t care what you think snowflake. Thanks for all the entertaining comments, I love a good laugh. Soy boys are the best.

  • Concerned July 17, 2020 at 8:43 am Reply

    IRRESPONSIBLE! SELFISH! Mont Paulson you only see $$$$, has nothing to do with “the community needs a rodeo” you are only concerned about your pocketbook. And as a “leader” I would expect you to be willing to stand up to the outside noise and pressure and admit its not a responsible decision. Listen to this… the article states… “We are doing everything possible to make the fair and rodeo as safe for everybody who attends” then in the same breath saying masks are not required, and if you go to the website to purchase tickets it says seating is not being restricted for social distancing, so my question is what is being done? It says EVERYTHING POSSIBLE, thats a lie, there is a lot more thats possible. Seems to be NOTHING is being done that will actually help. Mont tell us please what is being done? I love the cache county rodeo, if you were trying to make adjustments that actually showed that you cared for more than your pocketbook by social distancing seating, encouraging masks, asking health questions, etc then maybe I wouldn’t be writing this. But the fact is you dont seem to care about anyone but yourself. The crappy thing about this virus is its no respector of persons, so because of the actions of the irresponsible and selfish there will be many innocent that made the choice to stay away that will suffer the consequences of suffering and maybe even death (I hope not). And thats on your head Mont. It would be nice if only those affected would be those that make the decision to go to this event, but that wont be the case. I invite you to consider these thoughts and those lives you are putting at risk for your own gain.

    • Concerned July 17, 2020 at 12:36 pm Reply

      After writing this I want to clarify that this isnt a personal attack on Mont. As I re read it, it may come across as that, if so I apologize. He is a good guy, a great man. My point is that I dont think the decisions being made are those with the best interests in mind of our community. I think open discussion is important in this and not attack which I fear is what my post comes across as. So apologies again. Please reconsider social distancing seating, masks, other things that could possibly help without canceling the event.

      • Shove it July 17, 2020 at 5:06 pm Reply

        Concerned get on your knees much! Especially for this fat boy…good man…great man?

  • Your boss July 17, 2020 at 5:03 pm Reply

    I know this man…he’s arrogant as he is seen grinning in the picture. He’s cocky and does not care about anything or anyone but himself…his a pig of a man!

  • Christina Howell, Hyrum July 19, 2020 at 1:34 pm Reply

    After reading the article above, I sent off the following “letter to the editor.” Here is a copy.

    Please wear mask at rodeo
    I am concerned about the Cache County rodeo going forward at this time without the issuance of a mask mandate. The great majority of health experts agree that mask-wearing (albeit imperfect), is one of only a couple of tools we currently have, to help curb the spread of the virus, and the practice (and recommendation) thereof has been adopted by many politicians (including our governor), churches, and other organizations.

    Mr. Poulsen (rodeo chairman for the Cache County Fair and Rodeo) suggests in an article published on cachevalleydaily.com, that those who are of high risk to complications from COVID19, might be wise to stay home. I quote, “If I was elderly with a health situation, I might not go sit in the stands with a bunch of people next to me.” Unfortunately, the vulnerable population avoiding the virus, entails more than just their staying away from large gatherings – because they don’t live in a bubble. For one, in their efforts to make a living, they, themselves, or others in their household, more than likely must venture out to work, many unable to avoid circumstances where social distancing is not an option. So, if we try and stay well and help keep others in the community healthy, we might avoid inadvertently becoming a threat (directly or indirectly) to a vulnerable family member, friend, or other community member.

    As we attend fairs, rodeos, or other public gatherings, I hope mask-wearing will be the norm — for the sake of our loved ones, and beyond. (I do realize that for various reasons, there is a very small percentage of the population who cannot tolerate wearing a mask.)

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