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The Great American Cowboy: Series II
Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Offers Collector's Series As Part Of
Fundraising
Rapid City, SD -- Webster defines 'legacy' as anything handed down, as
from one generation to the next.
That word is found in the mission statement of the Black Hills Stock Show
Foundation and is considered integral to presentations developed by the
nonprofit organization.
An ongoing example of the interpretation of the 'legacy' can be seen in the
Foundation's commemorative print sold at auction every year to raise funds for
scholarship programs.
Offered in the first years as a general themed poster, the Foundation adopted
a more focused presentation in the year 2000, committing to a series of 26
presentations titled: The Great American Cowboy. The first of 26 limited
editions prints, named Artistry In Motion and featuring rodeo greats Casey Tibbs,
Paul Tierney and Clint Johnson, marked the beginning of preserving a visual
legacy of the history and tremendous talent of what today is called the rodeo
athlete.
"Call it what you want - it's cowboy in the truest sense," says
Foundation Director Connie Weishaar, who knows a little something about what
that means, ranching in the rough Slim Buttes country of Harding
County. "On ranches around
the country, cowboys still put skills to work used to manage their livelihood.
Breaking horses to ride, roping a stray calf, doctoring a wild cow that's on the
fight - these are all things cowboys do every day. Rodeo represents the
stock and trade of the cowboy at another level."
The raw talent that is brought to a finely honed skill is evident in the
stories of this year's Great American Cowboy Series II: Born Free. Two cowboys
whose talent was enjoyed in two very different ways; one through a seamless
eight second saddle bronc ride with 1,200 pounds of buck under him; the other
who presented the meaning of cowboy in song. Both whose lives were cut short.
Kyle Evans and T.C. Holloway, each with a legacy rich in the world of rodeo,
are presented in this year's limited edition print that celebrates the spirited
independence of the American cowboy. It also recognizes a time in place where a
nation's sacrifice and courage has been called upon in righting itself after
being struck at the very core of the tenets of freedom it embodies.
"The story of "Born Free" is about the unbridled passions and
shear defiance against all odds that defines the great American cowboy. And we
have watched as those same characteristics spilled forth from people around the
country. We are all not so very different," reflects Doug Theel, of Farm
Credit Services of America, the series sponsor and one that understands what
legacy means.
"We share an 85 year history with the builders of agricultural
businesses and communities," says Ron Ensz, vice president of Farm Credit
Services of America. "Our partners in business - second and third
generations of ranching and farming families - have withstood the challenges of
the business of agriculture.
"Still, there's more to it than that," he observes. "A way of
business is a way of life. The two are tied to one another in meaningful ways.
The Great American Cowboy Series defines that. It's the testament of a resolve
to stay connected to the history and the land. The face of agriculture is many
things to many people. But in the end, that's what we all come back to."
And it’s from the vast expanse of landscape along the Cheyenne
River where a child from rodeo stock would come from. He grew to a young man of
24 and rode with all the abandon of his late uncle, the great Casey Tibbs.
Some people have to learn the rodeo trade. Others are born with a natural
talent. T.C. Holloway was one of those, say the old rodeo hands. His all
too short career was marked with the all too familiar life of the professional
cowboy; long hauls, bad draws and worse luck - along with 'the sky is the
limit' potential.
The Badlands Circuit champion, former Rookie of the Year and NFR
qualifier would also experience never missing a spur lick, drawing the one to
win on, and good traveling companions. “His were truly great rides - the kind
that brought crowds to their feet,” reflects Weishaar. “It was like watching
an artist in his chosen discipline.”
Kyle Evans had more time to find his way. He cowboyed some before he found
his gift in song where his music touched millions of people. From impromptu
songs around a camp fire to 18 recorded albums, his lyrics spun the tales of the
cowboy. A popular entertainer across the country, Evans would become known for
his quiet manner, a giving nature and the ability to transform all of that into
lyrics and melodies.
As South Dakota's Centennial Troubadour, he covered a thousand miles on
horseback - not a hardship for a man who loved the cowboy way of life. His son
Kurt would say his Dad had "the shine of stardom about him." For many,
that shine hasn't been diminished in his passing.
The second in the series of custom framed limited edition prints celebrating
the Great American Cowboy and featuring Holloway and Evans will be offered to
bidders, Wed., January 30 during the Foundation's Western Auction held during
the Stockman's Banquet & Ball at the Ramkota in Rapid City. Advance bids can
be placed with auction event chairman, John Johnson at 605-347-2562.
For more information on how to support the Foundation's scholarship programs
through the Western Auction and what services are provided through a Foundation
membership, call 605-718-0810. Email: foundation@blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com
and see more Western Auction details on the web at: www.blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com.
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