If you arrived at the Sheridan Wyo Rodeo Parade earlier this month, unaware of the theme, you might have raised your eyebrows in surprise. For a town that was voted the Number one Western Town in the U.S. in 2006, this year’s parade was anything but traditional. Every float was pink, and 90% of the parade participants were clad in pink too. Not at all your usual sight in a traditional cowboy town.
Inspired by the 2006 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and their “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign supporting breast cancer research, The Sheridan WYO Rodeo Board decided to also support this high profile national cause. The added twist in Sheridan was that part of the funds raised would benefit a local foundation, the Kelly Schreibeis Memorial Foundation, in its efforts to support Sheridan’s breast cancer victims during and after their treatments.
An unforgettable sea of pink, the Parade was fabulous. Entire waves of people in pink was both inspiring and fun to see. It created a palpable unity of purpose and pride, and official feedback to the Rodeo Board was very positive, according to long-time WYO Rodeo Board member, Vicki Kane.
With well over 100 entries, it was no easy task for judges to pick out the winners. Some were just plain large, like the Sheridan Memorial Hospital float, aptly named “A Sea of Pink”. Others just showed that an incredible amount of work had been put into the event, like the Kubota float which showed off one of their traditional red tractors – painted pink.
All-in-all another wonderful summer highlight – cleverly tying together a long-standing tradition with a wonderful nationally recognized cause.
Great post, I wish I could have joined the fun.