From our friends at the Sonoma County Fair (press release June 16, 2016).
PRCA RODEO ANNOUNCING HUSBAND AND WIFE, DON AND ANITA JESSER RECEIVE WFA BLUE RIBBON AWARD FROM SONOMA COUNTY FAIR.
It is always an honor to share exciting happenings and it is even more fun to share on someone special's birthday. Please join us in congratulating both Don and Anita Jesser on this special award AND please join us in wishing Mrs. Anita Jesser, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Don Jesser (along with Kelly Kenney) will be announcing the 2016 RAM PRCA California Circuit Finals Rodeo (Oct 7 & 8, 2016) at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in Lancaster, California. Anita Jesser will be the Music Director for the 2016 RAM PRCA California Circuit Finals Rodeo.
Don and Anita Jesser (pictured at 2015 PRCA Convention - photo by srn)
(Press Release Sonoma County Fair)
Santa Rosa, CA - June 16, 2016 - The Sonoma County Fair is pleased to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their support with the prestigious Western Fairs Association Blue Ribbon Award. This year, the Fair Board is pleased to honor four such individuals, including Don and Anita Jesser.
Don and Anita Jesser have been rodeo fans for nearly 30 years. This husband and wife team is the "total package," covering everything from sound production to entertainment. Don Jesser, one of the few horseback announcers, draws his extensive experience from 17 years as a saddle bronc rider, bareback rider, and team roper. He went on to become a pick-up man, helping riders dismount their bucking horses. In 1992, Don Jesser officially retired from competing to pursue a full-time career announcing for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
And as they say, behind every great man is a great woman. Anita Jesser not only produces all of the sound, but she keeps her husband up to speed during time events such as calf roping and barrel racing.
The Jessers study the contestants and stock being ridden for every rodeo. Their connections to the rodeo family and years in the arena resonate with every rodeo crowd. Often fairgoers can hear hoots and hollers of excitement far outside the arena as the audience hangs on the Jessers' every word.
For more than two decades, this nationally-acclaimed award-winning couple has made Sonoma County Fair's rodeo a huge success. The Jessers' witty insights and clever repartee continue to connect the crowd to the cowboys and cowgirls, bringing home the Wild West and entertaining fairgoers of all ages. And, in addition to being one of the most in-demand rodeo announcing teams, the Jessers both participate in the Sonoma County Fair's Farmer's Day, making this hometown favorite both memorable and fun.
"It is such an honor to receive this award from such a prestigious organization as the Sonoma County Fair", the Jessers said. "We have made great friends here and look forward to coming back every year. We are treated like celebrities by everyone we work with and it is very humbling. With great appreciation we are proud to accept the Blue Ribbon Award and we thank the Fair Board for this honor."
The Sonoma County Fair Board is honored to recognize Don and Anita Jesser for their numerous contributions to the sport of rodeo and for their long-time dedication to the Sonoma County Fair with a Western Fairs Association Blue Ribbon Award.
Congratulations Don and Anita! The Showdown Rodeo, The California Circuit Finals, and all of your friends in fans in the Antelope Valley, and across the State of California, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in carrying on the traditions of the "Western Way of Life" and we congratulate you for your Blue Ribbon Award.