Lil Jake Eary died in Nov. 2010.He was a little cowboy with bigdreams, which unfortun ately will not be filled. However, Jake has inspired an event that has grown from a small local gathering to a very significant rodeo in the hearts of family and friends as well as far-reaching contestants.
Jake's parents, Jess and Carrie, are keeping his memory thriving through this rodeo in Jake's honor. The outpour of support and the growth in contestant numbers have exceeded the Earys' wildest expectations. June 8-10 will mark the 8th annual Jake Eary Memorial Rodeo.
"The first year we had Jakey's Rodeo, we had 250 contestants," Carrie Eary said. "Each year, contestants increased, and last year we had 420+."
As the entries of the rodeo grow, so does the payout. The 2011 rodeo paid out $25,000. Last year, more than $50,000 was dished out. High-point saddles are also awarded at the rodeo - 6 to be exact.Six more saddles will be given away this year. This Memorial Rodeo is for everyone, and has remained family-oriented throughout the years, having events for the whole family to participate.
The Earys have also made it a point to give back to the community. They truly appreciate support given to the rodeo but also the backing of many communities following Jake's untimely death.
In the past, $1,000 in scholarship money was generated, and that has greatly increased. The scholarships aren't just awarded to rodeo contestants - money has been given to 4-H programs, youth diabetes camps, and FFA programs - to name just a few.
Rodeo has traditionally been a family-oriented sport. The Earys -- with Jake in mind -- feel the same way. This rodeo's events were chosen to include the entire family, as that's what rodeo is about...family.
Jess has competed at the College National Finals Rodeo and had competed at ranch rodeos all over the West until his retirement.The Earys have passed the loveof ranch life and rodeo onto their other sons, Josh and Daniel.
When Josh isn't working, he enjoys competing in team roping series and jackpots all over Nevada.
Daniel -- who is graduating High School this year -- has had great success in the rodeo arena. Daniel qualified for the National Jr High Finals Rodeo all three years, and the National High School Finals Rodeo for the last three years. As a freshman, Daniel claimed the State AllAround Cowboy and Rookie All-AroundCowboy honors, along with National qualifications in Cutting & Steer Wrestling.His sophomore year brought himNational qualifications in Calf Roping & Steer Wrestling, and Steer Wrestling his Junior year. Daniel competes in Nevada High School Rodeo as a calf roper, team roper, saddle bronc rider, and steer wrestler. He will be attending College of Southern ID this Fall on scholarship, and will be competing on the Men's Rodeo Team.
Jackpots are set for 5 p.m. June 8th at the Elko County Fairgrounds in Elko, NV.Please see the attached poster for event times June 9-10.
For more information on the rodeo, please visit jakeearyrodeo.com.
Jake was a young cowboy who left this world way too soon -- his memory, spirit and love for rodeo remain. He will surely have a first-class seat and be watching the action intently.