HS Rodeo

West Quest Cowboy Cancer Crusade at the World’s Largest Rodeo July 24-30, 2006.

Held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) is billed as the “World’s Largest Rodeo” with more than 1,500 contestants from 39 states, Canada, and Australia. The NHSFR currently rotates every two years from chosen sites with Illinois hosting the event in 2006 and 2007. The High School contestants must maintain certain academic standards and reach the National Finals by competing at local, regional and state level sanctioned events. The NHSRA is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship and the character in the youth of our country through the sport of rodeo.

Hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the NHSRA, the West Quest Cowboy Cancer Crusade presented horse related activities in the Livestock Center every afternoon during the event. Featuring such notables as: Horse Trainer, Rick Wheat; Equine Dentist, Ron Johnson; Hoof Care Specialist, Chris Gregory, Equine Therapist, Diane Swick, and many other equine specialists, the afternoon sessions were a big hit with horse lovers.. Additional highlights included a special radio "Panel Discussion" hosted by National Radio Personality, Trent Loos, live western music, featuring the National Touring Duo "The Saddle Tramps" , broadcast taping for TV programs, raffles, and a special celebrity guest, legendary Hollywood Stuntman, Dean Smith

Several major cancer organizations including, the American Cancer Society, St. John’s Cancer Institute, and Sangamon County Health Dept. presented booths featuring information and free literature on cancer awareness and prevention. On Wednesday afternoon, Doctors and Interns from St. John’s Institute and S.I.U. Medical School offered free head and neck screenings.

Plans are already under way for the 2007 event. Highlights will include appearances by Celebrity Rodeo Champions, a special Gala opening night event featuring Hollywood Movie Cowboy stars and much, much more.

The Cowboy Cancer Crusade was created to promote prevention and early detection of cancer and encourages Cowboys everywhere to take up the fight. The Cowboy Cancer Crusade is a program of West Quest, a not-for-profit educational corporation organized to preserve and promote the History, Music, Art and Spirit of the American West.

A special thanks to our 2006 Sponsors: Midway Trailer Sales, American Cowboy Cancer Crusade, The Illinois Dept of Agriculture, and the National High School Rodeo Association.