2021 International Lineman’s Rodeo

I think I can speak for us all, it was great to be back!

After having to take 2020 off, everyone was eager to be out competing. The vendor expo had a great turn out with many vendors showing up with their new products. Talking with many Linemen, they enjoyed putting their hands on all the new products that had come out since 2019, showing their families or friends how they were used, and practicing with the tools for Saturday’s Mystery Event, which was announced Friday morning.

This being my first International Rodeo, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I couldn’t believe how many old friends I was able to catch up with and how many new friends I met. I hope to see all of them in many years to come.

Though I’ve been in the trade for 20 years, 16 as a Lineman, a good portion of those years were in Transmission. I competed in a couple rodeos as an Apprentice but seemed to be working too many hours to think about moving forward towards the International Rodeo. Now with Hubbell as a CHANCE® Demonstrator/Trainer, I am fortunate to be able to attend and witness what I missed out on.

Shirt trade night, what a great idea. I’ve never heard of such a thing. I thought it was great that you could trade one of your own custom company shirts for another across the country. Yes, and thanks to Byron Dunn, owner and founder of Powerlineman Magazine for supplying the refreshments for the trade night.

I got to the Rodeo grounds just after 7am Saturday morning. What a beautiful day for a Rodeo, clear and brisk. The grounds were so well kept and all the volunteers that had put so much time into setting up. It was a sight to see. Once the Rodeo started, it ran without a hitch. Linemen and Apprentices alike were able to watch their competitors and come up with the best strategy as they waited in line. Thanks to CHANCE for sponsoring the event, all the competitors had quality tools to use. What a sight to see looking across the grounds, nothing but orange.

Once the Rodeo was over, it was off to clean up and head to dinner and the awards ceremony. I arrived there a little early and sat down right up front. They had big projector screen on each side of the stage showing slides from CHANCE. After watching for a moment, what a surprise, up pops a picture of me, along with the other Demonstrators. It was wonderful to be a part of such a big event that is so well known across the globe. I commend all the competitors for a job well done and to the Rodeo committee for “making it happen” this year. Thanks to the Rodeo committee, all the volunteers, competitors and CHANCE for such a top-notch event all the way through.

Even though the Rodeo comes only once a year, you don’t have to wait that long to see us or hear from us again. You can reach out to us by commenting on our social media feeds or ask us a question here. If you want me or one of my colleagues to provide linemen training for your utility, tell us more about it here. Hope to see you next year… or sooner!