FORT MADISON - The Wednesday night CHUTE OUT at the Tri-State Rodeo just got a local flare.
After about eight years as the CINCH CHUTE OUT sponsored by the western clothier CINCH, Jim Baier Ram will be the sponsor of this year's event at the 75th Anniversary of the Fort Madison Tri-State Rodeo as the Jim Baier Ram CHUTE OUT.
Jamie Baier, President of Jim Baier Ford, said the move is one of the most exciting times he's had in the company's steeped association with the rodeo.
"I'm really excited that we are part of this. It's probably the most excited I've been in a long time," Baier said.
Baier said the local sponsorship is coupled with some sponsorship from Dodge Ram trucks, which have been a staple at the rodeo for decades.
“It’s a partnership for sure, but we’re just glad that we could help keep that event here. CINCH was a good partner, but didn’t see the fit anymore. I think it’s wonderful to have it locally sponsored. Hopefully in the future it becomes more of a communitywide event,” he said.
The event will still be held on Wednesday as a one-night winner take all in each event which begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6.
General Chairman for this year’s 75th Rodeo Anniversary is Chuck Kempker.
Kempker said CINCH has been a wonderful sponsor for the past eight years and is still a platinum sponsor of the TSR.
“They decided to move some of their rodeo money abroad but are still a big part of the Tri-State Rodeo,” Kempker said.
“We started talking and looking at our local and national sponsors and Jamie Baier stepped up and said we have to keep this product.”
Kempker said as the discussions around Jim Baier Ford sponsoring the event progressed, Dodge RAM came in as a national partner for the PRCA-sanctioned event.
Kempker said the format will be the same.
“The only thing that’s changing in this event is the name. It’s still a wild and fun night and we’re so happy Jim Baier and RAM jumped in,” he said.
The event features seven events and 10 cowboys in what Kempker called the long-go. The short go will be the top-two finalists going head-to-head to determine the winner.
“The WOW factor is still there.”
The Wednesday night event kicks off the rodeo performances for that run through Sunday.
With a three-day rodeo following the Jim Baier RAM CHUTE OUT, the TSR Committee has once again put a star-studded lineup of entertainment on the back end of each show.
Ian Munsick will take to the Jack Daniels Stage following the CHUTE OUT Wednesday.
Chris Jansick follows the national rodeo action Thursday night on the Jack Daniels Stage and then the four-decade country force Alabama is the main show Friday night.
Riley Green wraps things up as the headliner Saturday night.
The Bud Light Stockyard has several bands to wrap each night up with local favorites The Natu Band Thursday, Stumptown Friday and Saturday night, and The Tank Anthony Band Wednesday night.
Pre-Rodeo activities are the local favorites starting with the Fareway Pancake Breakfast, Rodeo Stampede 5K, and the Special Kids' Rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 2. Sunday features the Fareway Chili Supper starting at 5 p.m.
Monday features the popular Lil’ Spurs Rodeo at 10 a.m., the Lil Miss Rodeo/All-Around Cowboy contest at 6:30, and the Hy-Vee Pork Dinner serving at 5 p.m.
PeeWee Barrell Racing starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Horse Arena, while the annual Tri-State Rodeo Parade steps off on Avenue G, the final Saturday of the event, Sept. 9.
Tickets are still on sale online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/28207/tristate-rodeo or by calling 319-372-2550.
This year's Rodeo activities kick off Sept. 2 and run through Sunday, Sept. 9.
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