Mayors get taste of Old West at Reno Rodeo

RENO, Nev. - Bronco riders and calf ropers took center stage Sunday at the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting as many mayors got their first taste of a western tradition.

More than 250 mayors took a break from weighty topics to attend the Reno Rodeo, the nation's third richest rodeo with $1 million in prize money.

"I've seen rodeos in movies on TV, but that's about it. It's great to see the Old West is still alive," said Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, dressed in a cowboy hat, boots and blue jeans.

Newark, N.J., Mayor Sharpe James said the conference's tone stands in marked contrast with that of last year's gathering in San Francisco.

"For the one last year, you needed a tuxedo," he said. "For this one, you need blue jeans and cowboy boots. It's giving us an appreciation for the diversity of our country."

New Berlin, Wis., Mayor Jim Gatzke said he got a chuckle out of rodeo arena billboards for Skoal chewing tobacco, Jack Daniel's whiskey and Colt firearms.

"In the wild West they don't care about what is or isn't politically correct," he said. "We're truly in the land of the free here. I find that kind of refreshing."

Not all mayors enjoyed the rodeo as much, however. Kettering, Ohio, Mayor Marilou Smith questioned the treatment of some rodeo animals.

"You kind of worry about the calves in the roping event," she said. "It looks like they're going to break their necks. I kind of cringed when I saw it."

Madison, Wis., Mayor Susan Bauman said the rodeo was her first and probably last.

"It's a whole different world," she said. "I'm looking at this asking why. Why would you put yourself through eight seconds of sheer agony (in bull and bronco riding)? I guess it shows the diversity of our country."

But Quincy, Mass., Mayor Jim Sheets came way fascinated by the rough-and-tumble event.

"I think it takes you back to another era in American history," he said. "They couldn't play baseball or basketball so they created their own sport. In the East, you forget these things still happen."

Mayors capped off the day by attending an authentic Western barbecue at a local ranch where they tested their own skills attempting to lasso a mechanical bull.

"Jeans, cowboy boots, Western wear and hats are appropriate," the conference agenda noted.

Each mayor has received a souvenir cowboy hat and commemorative belt buckle in concert with the conference's Western theme.

Business resumes Monday when mayors consider policy resolutions and gambling's effect on cities.

Miss America Kate Shindle also is scheduled to address mayors Monday on efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

archive