Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People
A full-color photography book showcasing Oklahoma paired with the histories of companies, institutions, and organizations that have made the state great.
A full-color photography book showcasing Oklahoma paired with the histories of companies, institutions, and organizations that have made the state great.
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Top: International Finals Youth Rodeo Bull Rider, Shawnee, 2013.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JAMES PFIFER, RODEOBUM.COM.<br />
Center: International Finals Youth Rodeo Steer Wrestler, Shawnee, 2013.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JAMES PFIFER, RODEOBUM.COM.<br />
Bottom: International Finals Youth Rodeo, Tie Down Roper, Shawnee, 2013.<br />
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JAMES PFIFER, RODEOBUM.COM.<br />
Mike Jackson is operations manager of the Heart of <strong>Oklahoma</strong><br />
Exposition Center, the largest facility in Shawnee that draws an<br />
estimated 15,000 people monthly.<br />
“There are a lot of events they (the Convention & Visitors<br />
Bureau or CVB) financially support,” Jackson said. Among them<br />
are calf roping, barrel racing and others. He also noted the<br />
CVB provides welcome bags and information for visitors to the<br />
community. “They help with our motels. They help with the<br />
International Finals Youth Rodeo, playing a huge role in it.” They<br />
help with the media for the IFYR, which is considered the richest<br />
youth rodeo in the world. This is the twenty-second consecutive<br />
year for the event and today provides more than $200,000<br />
in prize money and other awards for the winning contestants.<br />
Jackson also pointed out the CVB helps with large RV rallies, a<br />
number of which Farris and Expo staff member Stephanie Gideon<br />
help recruit for the Expo and the community. Right after this year’s<br />
IFYR in July, a 500-unit RV rally will descend upon the Expo<br />
Center, and following it will be the National Junior Beefmaster<br />
Show with more than 400 head of cattle and contestants from<br />
thirteen states attending.<br />
The 2015 Central District Livestock Show, another large event, drew<br />
huge numbers of youth and the parents who support them.<br />
Jackson said the National Barrel Horse Association has at least<br />
six events annually and the State 4-H Horse Show also was held at<br />
the Expo.<br />
-Mike McCormick<br />
Shawnee Convention & Visitors Bureau<br />
O K L A H O M A : A S t o r y T h r o u g h H e r P e o p l e<br />
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