BPIR News - Going Places- California To Be Exact... Happy Father's Day

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BPIR GOING PLACES!

A Message From President / Producer

Valeria Howard-Cunningham

CALIFORNIA BOUND!

As the months in this year continue to pass quickly, I realize July will soon be upon us and we are getting ready to head West to the Bay Area and the Los Angeles area to continue our 35 ^th Anniversary Celebration!

We always enjoy the beautiful state of California and the incredible crowd support in both markets. In Oakland, we love being at Rowell Ranch, which sits between the mountains and provides an incredible atmosphere for a rodeo. The numerous Bay Area Vendors wait patiently to get the catfish, bar-b-que, hot dogs and tasty desserts ready for the crowds. Let the festivities start! The food is off the chain and can be washed down by beer, margaritas, water, pop, snow cones and maybe a little Jack Daniels for the older crowd. There is every kind of vendor there, from clothes to the latest BPIR souvenirs.

In Oakland, we always look forward to seeing the dazzling Mr. Theus, all dressed up in his cowboy gear with his horse totally decked out in a silver and rhinestones saddle. The fanfare is exciting; people, no matter of age come from near and far to be a part of this rodeo to see their local cowboys and cowgirls compete with other cowboys and cowgirls who have traveled from across the US.

After Oakland rodeo is over, we pack up and move south towards Los Angeles, CA. Our LA rodeo takes place at the City of Industry-Industry Hills Expo Center nestled on a beautiful hill between trees. This city is no different than any other, with its level of excitement waiting for the BPIR to show up. Everyone is ready to go. The vendors can’t wait, and the community can’t wait for the doors to open.

You can tell Hollywood is in the air. Everyone shows up for the rodeo including actors, producers and entertainers. They bring out their beautiful horses and ride in the pageantry grand entry. We always look for Glynn Turman, Jim Pickens, Reginald T. Dorsey and Obba Babatunde along with many others. We know they will always be there, but you never know when Chris Tucker, Lisa Raye or Jenifer Lewis might show up.

The Bill Pickett Rodeo has its own mystique and brings it to every community it goes to. We always are excited about our California markets because the community throws out the welcome mat and welcomes the Black cowboys and cowgirls with open arms into their cities.

June is one of our favorite’s, because it has so much to celebrate; specifically, Father's Day and Juneteenth, both special days in the community.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States; something we should all celebrate! Father’s Day is a day we honor our fathers and celebrate fatherhood.

To all our fathers, we wish you a very Happy Father’s Day.

TEAM BPIR

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Margo Wade LaDrew

National Development & Marketing Director

KimiRhochelle Porter

National Public Relations Director

Carolyn Carter

Rodeo Production & Media Director

Jody Gilbert

Office Coordinator, Art Director & Web Development

Acynthia Villery

Social Media Director

BPIR Going Places ... Oakland, CA. / Bay Area

Jeff Douvel, Bay Area Coordinator

Jeff Douvel, Bay Area Coordinator, stated, "I watch as each event unfolds realizing that every event could cost a participant their life or a limb in a matter of seconds. Competitor's performances cannot be scripted or faked. They are hard-working athletes for whom I have great respect." He continued, "Most people do not realize that most of the time it's a cowboy or cowgirl that receives injuries, not one of the animals. All of the rough stock are well treated. Most people would be surprised to learn the rodeo stock often have more medical staff on the scene than do the competitors."

Sheri Vason, Bay Area Coordinator

Sheri Vason adds: "I am both pleased and proud that the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo continues to be an annual must-attend event for thousands of fans throughout the country. The BPIR family is happy to educate and entertain devoted fans and new-comers who attend the exciting family-friendly event. It's no accident that our rodeo is called "The Greatest Show on Dirt!"

Toyota and Ariat Partners with Nation’s Only African American Touring Rodeo

Celebrating 35 Years of Legacy-

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Going Places in

San Francisco Bay Area, CA.

The Greatest Show on Dirt – is going places!

GET TICKETS

To the delight of thrilled audiences and rodeo fans, some of the nation’s most skilled and entertaining African American cowboys and cowgirls will ride into the San Francisco Bay Area to compete in the nation’s longest running touring Black rodeo competition—the thrilling Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR). Celebrating its 35 ^th year, BPIR will proudly showcase its athletes performing and competing in Castro Valley, California’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo Arena (9711 Dublin Canyon Rd., Castro Valley, CA 94552) on Saturday, July 13, 2019 | 2:30 pm and Sunday, July 14, 2019 | 2:30 pm.

Hard riding competitors will choke dust as fans and novice spectators cheer for their favorite competitors as they battle to be named the best in the Bay Area. Contest performances include thrilling Calf Ropin’, exhilarating Bareback Ridin’, Bull Doggin, Ladies Barrel Racin’, Junior Barrel Racin’, Ladies Steer Undercoatin’, and gripping Bull Ridin.’

Under the guidance of Jeff Douvel (Bay Area Coordinator) and Sheri Vason (Bay Area Coordinator) BPIR has curated sold out shows with repeat generation-after-generation attendees and rodeo competitors coming back year-after-year.

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is proud to mention National Sponsors Toyota , Ariat, Upscale Magazine and Bronner Brothers.

“ Ariat is proud to partner with an organization that enables men and women to be competitive and pursue their passion for rodeo,” said Susan Alcala, Vice President, Partnership Marketing at Ariat . “We have so much respect for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and are honored to be able to do even more as we expand our support this year.”

Safeway has been the Title Sponsor for the Bay Area Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for over 15 years.

“Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Safeway , Jonathan Mayes, Jo Leigh Dobbs and Teena Massingill have truly supported the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. We thank them for their continued partnership and support over the years!” states Sheri Vason.

Ticket prices range from $19 to $35 and can be purchased online or at various business outlets (see below). Vendor opportunities are available as well as national and local sponsors whom seek to align their brands with a whole hearty family legacy. In addition, media affiliates are sought.

For local contact info and opportunities, or group ticket sales please call Sheri Vason at 925-230-8082 or email svason@billpickettrodeo.com .

For Media Partners/credentials please email: press@billpickettrodeo.com

CLICK FOR ONLINE TICKETS

TICKET OUTLETS:

Marcus Books • Oakland • 510-652-2344

Center Stage West • Oakland • 510-465-9552

Rowell Saddlery • Castro Valley • 510-581-2577

K&K Beauty Supply • Antioch • 925-206-4343

Reid's Records • Berkeley • 510-843-7282

The Cobblers • Hayward • 510-582-7761

Mississippi Catfish • Richmond • 510-215-2526

Cassandra's Wedding Cakes • Richmond • 510-232-4616

Everett & Jones • Berkeley • 510-548-8261

COWBOY/GIRL HIGHLIGHT

My name is Tre Hosley, I’m 26 years old and I’m from Compton, Ca. I am a member of the Compton Cowboys, which is a group of young African American men that have been riding since we were young kids. In addition to riding horses, I compete in rodeos. I ride Bareback horses as my main event, but I also can hold my own in the Tie Down Roping and Steer Wrestling. I started going to the BPIR as a young kid and one of my most fond memories was seeing my dad get bucked off when the rodeo was held in Burbank at the LA Equestrian Center. Seeing that, motivated me and I started competing with the Bill Pickett Rodeo in 2013 at the LA rodeo. Since that time, I’ve won several titles, such as BPIR Rookie of the year in 2013, won the BPIR Bareback Riding Year End Championship twice , won an All Around Championship and multiple other Average Championships. The Bill Pickett Rodeo gave me the courage to step out and test my luck in the ranks of the PRCA, which I joined in 2016. Since then I’ve qualified for 2 California Circuit finals and won money at multiple pro rodeos over the country.

I give back to my community by mentoring young kids and introducing them to horses. I currently run the Compton Junior Equestrian program, where we teach kids different equine skills.We do this in hopes of making an impact on kids lives and creating a funnel from childhood into equine professions and careers. This year our summer program is themed 'Find Your Event'. We will be exposing kids to all of the rodeo events along side jumping and dressage so they can chose which one they might want to explore. I want to open kids eyes to other things beyond violence and the negative things we all see on tv. I want to make a difference.

I am Meagan "Maybel" Byrd from the "Steer Wrestling Capital" of that area, Cheek,TX. I am the offspring of Stephanie Segura & BPIR All Around Champion Eddie Byrd. I am 28 years young and have been riding horses since I can remember. I am a third-generation cowgirl and graduated from college with my degree in criminal justice. I love rodeo and rope in Breakaway, Barrel Race, and compete in my favorite rodeo event called Steer Undecorating. I joined the BPIR association in 2008, which was also my rookie year.

My dad started with BPIR back when it first started. I remember when he would come home and tell stories about all of the places they traveled, the new people they met, the celebrities they got to hang out with, and how much fun it was driving around the world. I knew someday that I want to do that and always believed that I would get the chance to it.

Rodeo is not just a hobby for me, it is my lifestyle. I am currently a member of the ASGCA, RCA, & BPIR Rodeo Associations. I have won several championships throughout my rodeo journey. I was the 2018 BPIR Ladies Steer Undecorating Champion. Winning this meant a lot to me as I did in honor of my grandmother!!! This year I was appointed the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Ladies Steer Undecorating Director. It is a position with a huge responsibility and one that I take very seriously. I always put my best foot forward to make sure that my job is being done to the best of my ability and knowledge because I know others depend on me to do that.

I am also the promoter of the "FAITH NOT FEAR" ALL GIRLS RODEO, which is held in August in Orange, TX. Being a cowgirl in rodeo is not just about riding and winning money to me, but to show others that there is no limit to what you can do. It's a family thing. The part I love the most is being the nanny of the rodeo that spoils all the kids!!!

I never forget April of 2015 when my life changed. I had to have emergency surgery to remove a 25 lb tumor from my stomach. The doctor said I had a slim chance on living, but look at God. I'm still here to tell my testimony. I live by the quote"If God is for me who can be against me".

I AM A BLACK COWGIRL and I LOVE LIFE

THANK YOU SPONSORS/PARTNERS

TITLE SPONSOR/OAKLAND/BAY AREA

HIGHLIGHT

Safeway has been the Title Sponsor for the Bay Area Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for over 15 years. Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Jonathan Mayes, Jo Leigh Dobbs and Teena Massingill have truly supported the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. We thank them for their continued partnership and support over the years.

Vendor Highlight: Margarita Madness- Chris Ackerson.

Chris was OAKLAND, BAY AREA Sponsor for Coca-Cola for many years and then branched off to start Margarita Madness. Chris says the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is his favorite event to participate in. He has been a partner with BPIR for over 15 years. THANK YOU!