July 23, 2003

Interlochen rodeo draws thousands of spectators

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer

Being a rodeo clown isn't all smiles and laughs, even if your face is drawn that way.
Distracting angry bulls wielding sharp horns or bucking broncos with flying hooves for a living takes a certain sangfroid, an unshakable calm under pressure.

Herald photo by Carol South
Sharon Mayer of Lake Ann helps a thirsty horse Saturday during the youth speed events at the Rodeo Fest 2003 held at the Interlochen Eagles grounds. The three-day Rodeo Fest drew nearly 7,000 spectators for events ranging from mutton busting and bull riding to calf roping and saddle bronco riding.

Craig Miller of Millersberg, Ohio, has cultivated this aspect of his character such that his performance in the rodeo ring belies the goofy persona he portrays.
"There's always freak things that happen, but every day you just hope you're not part of it," he said. "Every bull has a different attitude, some are mean and some are not."
"You have to know everything that's going on all the time," he noted. "Sometimes you've got one bull out there and they let out another, but usually everybody communicates pretty good."
Miller loves his traveling life as a freelance clown in the summer and bull fighter in the winter. As a clown, he attends more than 40 rodeos around the northeast and Midwest from June through August. His native independence and itch for adventure contribute to his career choice, reinforced by days of sunny skies, smiling crowds, the smell of the animals and sawdust, plus the American flag snapping in the breeze.
"It's not too often you can get paid for doing something you love," said Miller, who has been involved with the rodeo since he was 18. "You make more money telling jokes than fighting bulls."
Miller was in town this weekend to participate in Rodeo Fest 2003, which was held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Interlochen Eagles grounds. The rodeo drew between 6,000 and 7,000 people who came to watch everything from youth speed show events and mutton busting to standard rodeo events such as bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping and chute dogging. The rodeo also featured entertainment each night by acts including Judy Harrison, the band Kickin' Back and Ron Lawler as Elvis Presley.
Throughout the main evening events both Friday and Saturday night, Miller was in the ring, playing to the crowd but always aware of his job: protect the cowboys by distracting the animals.
"In the rodeo, everybody helps everybody else," Miller said.
The Eagles F.O.E. Aerie 3503 has sponsored the Rodeo Fest for the past 17 years, donating any profits to an array of area charities ranging from schools to food pantries to the local fire department.
Along the way the organization has acquired a reputation nationwide.
"We're known as the rodeo eagles," said John Harris, a long time Eagles member and owner of JR Harris Enterprises, the sponsor of the event.
Harris noted that the rodeo began 17 years ago as an afterthought to a Blues festival the Eagles staged as a charitable fund-raiser. The rodeo proved so popular it became the headline act.
While this year's gate was slightly down, he attributes it to a changed format that moved the main rodeo events to the cooler evenings. However, he was still pleased at the turnout and hopes that patrons will adjust to the new format next year.
"Saturday night there wasn't even standing room only," Harris said. "We ran out of parking Saturday afternoon and by Saturday evening they were lined up and down the road."
Speed show events Saturday and Sunday afternoon drew participants from around the region to showcase their riding skills. The challenges included racing the clock while riding in patterns such as a cloverleaf or a keyhole. A series of mystery events challenged young riders to adapt to riding scenarios on the spot.
Jamie Hirs, 13, of Maple City brought her horse Chesapeake to the rodeo Saturday afternoon. It was the first time she had ever participated in a rodeo although she has ridden speed events at other shows. Hirs, who is a member of the Windsonnet Wranglers 4H group, appreciates the challenge these venues provide for her and her horse.
"To succeed, you have to cooperate with your horse, know how she moves and how she reacts to mouth movements," said Hirs, who has been riding for seven years. "I like the adrenaline."