With the 80th ABC Rodeo currently underway, the ABC Pro Rodeo Chairman Mark Putman shared thoughts regarding the week long event and his time working with the community of Levelland.
For the better part of 80 years, AMBUCS started the ABC Rodeo for the sole purpose of sponsoring the then Boys Club of Lubbock. Since its inception, AMBUCS has raised over $1.5 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lubbock.
In addition to its long history, the Beutler Family has served as the stock contractor beginning with the father down to their grandson.
Putman added that he has been a part of this historic event for 45 years and what he enjoys the most is trying to make the most money possible to give to the boys and girls club.
“We’re all volunteers, we’re all in civic organizations and nobody makes a paycheck out of any of this,” explained Putman. “This is what could be called a labor of love and we try to put together a rodeo that surpasses each year.”
The amount of work beforehand or behind the scenes is not small. Putman explained that after each rodeo is completed, the group will take roughly a month off before coming back together and start evaluating the previous rodeo and begin planning for the next.
“We evaluate some things, hold a couple of meetings and do a recap. We see what is working, what can be improved on or changed, and then go from there,” said Putman. “A lot of changes have come from us moving 30 miles away. The best way to balance that out is to start over around June. We elect a chairman then share and compare notes.
One of the consistent things that carry over in each planning process is the same menu and PRCA sanctioning body of events that are offered.
Originally at the coliseum in Lubbock for the first 63 years, the group made the decision to head west to Levelland.
Speaking highly of the warm welcome they initially received and have continued to receive, Putman spoke highly of the Mallet Event Center.
“Our Lubbock sponsors have stayed with us and we have gathered some new sponsors in Hockley County and the surrounding area,” said Putman. “The Mallet has been great to us and were able to do more comfortably at the Mallet compared to having to use separate locations for our various activities.”
Finally having the ability to host the rodeo itself along side the various events such as the BBQ competition and rodeo dance in the same venue has proven to be easier on the logistical and overall process of the event.
In addition to the move to Levelland, Putman added that their sponsors have enjoyed the move as it provides a greater reach to areas such as Morton, Whiteface and towns west of Levelland.
Already underway, the group started the action with a ribbon cutting courtesy of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce and the Prmier Water Works BBQ contest.
With a little dust blowing, Putman felt that Friday and Saturday were perfect.
The rodeo portion of the week long event will begin Thursday, and Putman says ticket sales have gone well.
“We finally got passed spring break when we set up ticket sales, but we know for the most part that a lot of people are mostly deciding the week of,” explained Putman.
Additionally, Putman added that the Thursday and Saturday shows will have a matinee style pricing for tickets in the efforts of bringing in my children to the Rodeo.
“We know we are dodging a lot of events such as baseball, softball or other engagements that the kids are a part of,” said Putman. “We just want to bring some family fun entertainment on those two days. So we have tickets at half price for those particular days.”
Even during the discounted days, spectators can expect a full lineup that will be roughly two hours.