Super Bowl standout Boss is grand marshal

As always, there will be buckin’ broncs, country music and daring cowboys and cowgirls. But this year’s Philomath Frolic & Rodeo, which runs from Thursday through Sunday, also will feature a football hero and fireworks.

Philomath High School graduate Kevin Boss, who helped the New York Giants win the Super Bowl, is the grand marshal for the Main Street Parade on Saturday. “We will do some kind of small meet-and-greet at the rodeo grounds following the parade,” said Ken Stueve, president of the Frolic and rodeo.

The town’s marquee celebration also will have $10,000 worth of fireworks on Friday night. The pyrotechnics celebrate the 55th year of the Frolic and 25 years for the rodeo.

“It’s going to be a great show,” said Ken Stueve, frolic and rodeo president. Oregon Alpaca Farms on Grange Hall Road donated $5,000 for the fireworks.

The fun starts Thursday night with a barbecue at the Benton County Historical Museum, followed by a free rodeo performance with timed events such as team roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling.

Alyssa Miller, a 2007 graduate of Philomath High School and a lifelong resident, is the 2008 queen of the rodeo, who will greet spectators and sign photographs.

The rodeo is expected to have nearly 400 riders this year. For the past three years, and eight times since 1994, it has been named the best rodeo in its class by the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association. Four other rodeos are classified as independent competitions with more than $900 in cash prizes per event.

Rita Rattray, secretary for the NPRA, said the rodeo’s awards are well-earned. The other events during the Frolic make it especially popular with contestants.

“They have a really nice ground with lots of trees,” Rattray said.

Stueve attributed the success of the rodeo to the longtime volunteers.

“Probably three-quarters of them have been with the association doing the same job for 25 years. That’s dedication and involvement,” he said.

The Philomath Frolic & Rodeo also includes carnival rides and craft and food booths. Half of the profits of the event are given back to the community, such as youth organizations.

Schedule of events

Thursday

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — BBQ & Fiesta with live music and rodeo exhibit, museum, 1101 Main St., $12 for adults, $5 for kids under 9

6 to 9 p.m. — Old-Time Fiddlers Open Jam Session; bring your own fiddle.

7 p.m. — Rodeo, slack time contestants

Friday

5 p.m. — Beef barbecue, $6 per plate for beef on a bun, coleslaw, corn on the cob and a beverage

5 to 7 p.m. — Kids Korner, featuring a petting zoo, family rodeo activities and pictures with the queen

7 p.m. — Rodeo, fireworks after the show, $13 per person, $5 for kids 6-12, includes admission to the dance

9:30 to 1 p.m. — Dance, featuring Joe Shinkle and 99 West, $5 a person

Saturday

6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — Philomath Lions Club breakfast, $6 a plate

10:15 a.m. — Kids Parade, forms at 19th and College Streets and proceeds down Main Street to 12th Street

10:30 a.m. — Main Street Parade, call 929-5145 for entry forms, $7 entry fee

11 a.m. — Marys Peak Search and Rescue chicken barbecue, $7

12 to 5 p.m. — Kids’ Korner

1 to 5 p.m. — Bingo fundraiser for Philomath Youth Activities Club

7 p.m. — Rodeo, special introduction of the last 55 years of past queens, $18 for adults and $10 for kids includes dance, $13 and $5 for rodeo-only tickets

9 to 2 p.m. — Dance, cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12

Sunday

6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — Philomath Lions Club breakfast, $6 per plate

10 a.m. — Musical Christian Cowboy Church Service

11 a.m. — Marys Peak Search and Rescue chicken barbecue, $7

1 p.m. — Rodeo, $13, $5 for kids 6-12.

All events at rodeo grounds unless noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, see philomathrodeo.org.

Kyle Odegard can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.