Rodeo participants and spectators all love shopping the multitude of vendors who bring their wares into Winnemucca. The recent Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) National Finals in Winnemucca drew an amazing variety of vendors, most of whom said they come to Winnemucca every year and do very well.
There was a familiar Winnemucca face at one vendor booth — Rene Maestrejuan, who used to be principal at Grass Valley School. Maestrejuan moved with her husband Rick to Jordan Valley Oregon in 2013. But she was back in Winnemucca earlier this month manning the Ricardo’s Saddlery booth at WSRRA. She was showing and selling her husband’s leather work while he worked as a chute boss and judge at the rodeo finals.
Danielle Williams, from Winnemucca, was working in the booth for Lost Bandidas and CS Leatherworks. The booth was selling custom leatherwork tack, western purses, chaps and chinks, cowhide pillows and some very unique home décor.
Pinenut Livestock Supply set up a booth at the rodeo that had pretty much anything and everything for those in the livestock business. “We have a lot of customers here and throughout northern Nevada,” said Bea Lee, adding she made four deliveries on her way into town for the rodeo.
Stanislaus Farm Supply representatives were demonstrating Arrow Cattlequip’s cattle squeeze chute at their booth. It was drawing interest from several who were watching. In addition to Arrow Cattlequip products, they sell many more farm supply products.
Robbie Lynn Bacon and Ed Clark team up on the Bacon and Clark Saddle Company booth. They bring a variety of leather wares from Cottonwood. California. They said they were the first vendor for the first ranch rodeo in Winnemucca, eight years ago.
Clif Lynch said he’s been bringing his Saddleworks from Wellington, Nev. to the rodeo in Winnemucca for a long time. He does all his own leather work.
Moon Creek Saddles and Tack came to Winnemucca from Elko to sell their wares at the rodeo.
EEKOE socks from Washoe Valley, Nevada came for the Tri County Stampede and Fair and did very well. So, they were back to sell more of their bamboo socks at the WSRRA national finals.
The Cow Lot booth was selling hand-shaped hats. For cowboys who already had a favorite hat, they offered cleaning and reshaping to make them like new again. They came to Winnemucca from Denver and said this was their third year selling hats and TwistedX shoes.
Broken Heart Leatherworks had all kinds of custom western gear, including custom saddles, chaps, vests, belts, holster, halters and tack, branding irons, forge and woodwork. They hail from Fernley.
J&G Coins and Jewelery’s Jim and Gerri Wayne brought their handcrafted jewelery and collectible coins to the rodeo. This was their first year at the ranch hand rodeo event but they’ve been to Winnemucca before for Run-a-Mucca, and the Tri-County Fair. “We like Winnemucca,” Gerri Wayne said.
Shane and Amy Riley’s J Bar D Canvas and Leather booth was selling bed rolls and many other unique items. They said they make pretty much anything out of canvas, including teepees. They come in to Winnemucca from Oreana, Idaho and said this was their third year here. “We’ve always done well and we have a great time.”
The CGS Laserworks has come to the rodeo in Winnemucca to offer custom laser engraving on almost anything for several years and has done well.
Flying V. Saddlery hails from New Plymouth, Idaho and brought ropes, chaps, bits, and western jewelery. “We’ve come here a lot and have done well,” owners said.
John Brand was plying his trade at his Buckaroo Leather booth, attaching some silver work to a leather bridle. Brand said Buckaroo Leather is proud to offer “the finest American made tack.”
Amanda Dilworth’s Western Edge rodeo photography was the official rodeo photographer. Dilworth is from Burley, Idaho.
The Western States Ranch Rodeo Association rodeo producer handles all the arrangements to bring the national finals to Winnemucca. Winnemucca Convention and Visitor’s Authority, Ag District 3 and the convention center staff do a great job supporting the event.
WCVA and Ag District 3 Director Kim Peterson said the WSSRA National Finals rodeo is one of the top four or five events that bring tourism dollars into Humboldt County. Competitors from regular working ranches, who have qualified for national final competition come from all over the West.
“It’s really good for Winnemucca,” Petersen said. “Especially this time of year, when there aren’t many events going on.”
