Ajo Copper News

XMAS DAY RODEO WAS
AJO'S FIRST
MAY MEAN OTHERS

Ajo's first rodeo was put on Christmas morning at the aviation field by Tex Prichard. The stock was furnished by Ike Hocker and Tom Childs. The steers lived up to their name of being "turned out wild as deers," by throwing every rider except Tex Prichard; and the judges claim he was disqualified. Boots Barnum, from the New Cornelia Hospital, tied his goat in 18 seconds--the only man who caught his goat. Tex Prichard, the Northwest champ., whom many were expecting to see bulldog from an auto, was injured while in the chute on horseback and was practically out of the show. Mr. Shackelford in a roping exhibition for Gen. Greenway, failed to catch. The show had a good attendance and those who saw the rodeo went home feeling like Texans home pleased. No doubt the next rodeo, (should another be given in Ajo) would be still better by reason of the experience in the first show in a new place. And the attendance should be even larger, held in the afternoon (instead of in the morning), and when there is no competing attraction. Naturally, the management has had to feel its way; and would be willing to spend more money on rodeos in Ajo to make them better if rodeos are what the people of the camp want. Anyway, there are plenty of cowboys here--and cow ponies--and wild steers. Add some outside talent, and rodeos ought to be a success here in the "Last of the West." Certainly, such shows constitute a pleasant diversion for all and a decided novelty for the "tenderfoot."