The 3rd annual event honoring rodeo and country music icon Chris LeDoux, November 2-3, will feature many of the best Wyoming-raised bucking bulls and horses performing in a pro rodeo that is focal point of “A Tribute to Chris LeDoux.” LeDoux was the world champion bareback rider in 1976 and his music often reflected the rodeo and cowboy life. He lived on a ranch near Kaycee. Ledoux died in the spring of 2005, at age 56, of a rare liver cancer. Livestock contractors are assuring an exciting show by bringing a number of animals that have appeared at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Casper event was named “Best Indoor Rodeo of the Year” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2005 and the “Cowboy’s Choice Award” last year.
“Chris was our best friend for over 35 years. I wanted a way to have people know Chris like we knew him,” said Dona Vold Larsen, coordinator of the annual tribute event that also includes an art show. Many of Ledoux’s original pieces of art – bronzes and drawings – will be on display. Several craftspeople and artists are also planning to exhibit at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper, November 2. “Many people didn’t know he was an artist so we are always anxious to show that side of Chris,” said Larsen.
Clay Walker www.claywalker.com
Country music star Clay Walker will be performing immediately following the rodeo November 3 in “The Arena” at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Walker visited the LeDoux ranch last March. “Clay loved Chris and all he stood for –a family man who wrote and recorded quality songs – and who lived honorably,” said Larsen. She said Walker asked to perform at the annual tribute event. His new CD is called “Fall” and Walker has placed 31 titles on the Billboard singles chart including the #1 hits “What’s it to You” and “Live Until I Die.” Walker is an MS survivor first diagnosed in 1996. He will be appearing on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville the week following his show in Casper.
Rodeo scholarships are being presented this year as part of the annual tribute’s foundation development. Two freshmen at Casper College received the $500 contributions today. “Our goal is to award two rodeo scholarships, an art scholarship and one in the music program at Casper College,” noted Larsen. Chris LeDoux wrote his first song, “Bareback Jack,” while attending Casper College. “The beautiful thing about the foundation is that it will go on and Chris will be remembered forever,” said Larsen.
Tickets for ‘A Tribute to Chris LeDoux” are $20 and $30 dollars and can be obtained by calling: 307.473.1799.
