GIT ALONG: Cowboys are "super excited" to come to Alaska and won't disappoint.
Bret Davis, Brian Loper and Greg Vinson will travel to Alaska next week by plane.
But each prefers a vastly different mode of transportation -- the buckin' kind.
"We're pretty much cowboys through and through," Davis said.
And the arrival of these three cowboys should yield a collective yee-haw from local rodeo fans, who can see them ride at the Alaska State Fair, the site of Alaska's one and only rodeo all year.
The rodeo, which includes bareback riding, calf roping, team roping and barrel racing, will be held at the Grandstand Aug. 30--31 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance and include fair admission.
Davis, who makes his living training horses and competing at rodeos, issued a promise to those who make it over to see him in his best event -- saddle bronc riding.
"If I make a ride, I'll make it real flashy," said Davis, 19, speaking from his cell phone in Southern Oregon where he lives. "Sometimes a horse bucks a rider off. But I'll make sure everyone remembers the show."
The fair rodeo had been doomed to the same fate as other rodeos in Alaska because the states' only promoter took the summer off.
But fair organizers lured Randy Hatfield, manager of the Del Norte County Fair in Crescent City, Calif., to rustle up some riders and head north.
"Fairgoers are going to see a total program that's well-rounded, and that includes all the traditional rodeo events," Hatfield said in a release.
As for Davis, he and the other two riders, all members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, are looking forward to the adventure.
"We want to have a good time and meet everybody, even when we're not performing," Davis said. "Anybody who wants to come see us can come on by. We're all super excited."
For those who prefer a two-legged event, Saturday's Alaska State Fair Parade Day Race may be the ticket.
According to fair events coordinator Mike Janecek, it also may be a good opportunity for runners looking to set a personal record in 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer runs.
"My take on the race is it's the fastest course in the state because it's the flattest course," Janecek said.
The race is Saturday at 9 a.m., with bib pick-up at the Palmer Depot from 7:30--8:30 a.m.
The rodeo and run are just two of many sporting events coming to this year's fair. Other highlights include:
•The Alaska X-Jam Freestyle Moto X and BMX & Skate Vert Show will both be held at the Mat-Su Big Top. The X-Jam runs from Aug. 23 to 26, and the BMX & skate show runs Aug. 21--28.
Professional and local performers will wow spectators at the new skate park, designed and built by skater Benji Galloway, who will also be performing.
• The Demolition Derby is Friday at 6 p.m. at the Grandstand. Bring your own beater and crash it for cash.
• The Lancer Smith Memorial Wrestling Tournament, named in memory of the longtime Palmer and Colony wrestling coach, will be held Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. in the Mat-Su Big Top.
The entry fee is $15 for adults and $10 for youths and seniors. Weigh-ins will be held at Palmer Junior Middle School the day of the tournament at 9 a.m.
• This year's horse show is at the France Equestrian Center from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
• The Taekwondo tournament is Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Mat-Su Big Top. All entrants must be a member of a Taekwondo school.
• The horseshoe tournament is Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. at the horseshoe pits south of the farm exhibits.
Daily News reporter Eric Smith can be reached at esmith@adn.com.
FOR MORE Alaska State Fair information go to:
www.alaskastatefair.org
