What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. – Albert Pike

During the month of April, communities and organizations across the United States have been celebrating “National Volunteer Month”.  California Circuit Finals Rodeo President, Johnny Zamrzla and the Director of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association – California Circuit Director, Marguerite Happy, along with each rodeo committee and all of the cowboys and cowgirls of the PRCA and WPRA California Circuits, would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer across our State.  We thank you for the contributions you have made not only to your community circuit rodeo, but to your committees, the rodeo contestants, to our rodeo fans, and, to the national sport of rodeo.

A volunteer is a very special kind of person.  They give of themselves without asking for anything in return.   They possess a depth of commitment which is immeasurable.  Their willingness to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as to make a difference in their communities, is worthy of emulation and deserving of our gratitude.

Depending upon the size of the rodeo there may be hundreds of volunteers or perhaps just a handful.  Many of our California Circuit Committees are made up solely of volunteers.  They, along with their dedicated and hard-working volunteer partners, work year-round to ensure the successes of these rodeos.  Some volunteers are involved with the year-round planning of the rodeo and its related events.  Many volunteers are involved with the organization of fundraising events not only for the rodeo, but for associated charitable organizations and scholarship funds.  Volunteers assist with promotion, logistics, and many provide website upkeep and keep fans updated via social media.   Volunteers may also assist with the maintenance and upgrades to our rodeo arenas throughout the year.  Just as important, many volunteers play a crucial role during a rodeo.  Many assist with contestant check-in and hospitality, VIP and Sponsor hospitality, royalty and sponsor flag coordination, parking and gates, clean-up, and so much more.

The work of our volunteers may actually be the most crucial component to a rodeos’ success.  Volunteers provide so many intangibles whose worth cannot be easily quantified, but their value is immeasurable.   

Please join us as we salute and thank each and every volunteer, not only for their dedication to their communities and their hometown rodeo, but more importantly, for the gift of their time which is, in a word, priceless.

For many years, Showdown Rodeo Inc., proud producers of the California Circuit Finals Rodeo, has enjoyed the support and dedication of many volunteers – they have been, and remain, an integral part of the Showdown Family. 

Recently, Chairman Johnny Zamrzla surprised several volunteers by honoring them for their years of loyal service to our Antelope Valley community, The Showdown Rodeo, and now, The PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo.

Using a clever ruse, Chairman Zamrzla invited this year’s honorees, along with all of the Committee members, to an informal meeting at Round Table Pizza.  When all of the honorees arrived, Chairman Zamrzla revealed the true reason for the meeting.

“I have invited each of you here tonight because I wanted to personally thank you for the many years and hundreds of volunteer hours each and every one of you has given to ensure the success of our rodeos.  I would like to present each of you with a token of my personal appreciation for all that you do.”  Chairman Zamrzla then presented each honoree with an exquisite “personalized” Montana Silversmith belt buckle.                

Chairman Zamrzla then surprised each of the 4 Committee members by presenting them with their own specially personalized Montana Silversmith California Circuit Finals Rodeo belt buckle.  “Each one of you is truly invaluable”, said Zamrzla.  He went to say that each one of the Committee members own and manage their own successful businesses - putting in “56” hours a week.  He remarked that what truly makes them even more special, is their commitment to the community.  “You selflessly volunteer  ‘all of your extra time’ to produce not only our California Circuit Finals Rodeo, but you are also instrumental in helping to produce the Annual 4^th of July Professional Bull Riding and Fireworks Extravaganza, as well as other events at the Antelope Valley Fair – I thank you.”

Please meet this year’s Volunteer Honorees:

Liz Breault – Liz has been the official photographer for the Showdown Rodeo.  Year after year, she has captured the essence of the entire Showdown Rodeo/California Circuit Finals Rodeo experience.  Her photographs are more than photos – Liz has the ability to capture a moment of spontaneity.  Her photos have been used for promotion and for our websites and social media pages.  Over the years, Liz, along with her husband Rich, go the extra mile to make sure we have lasting memories for our rodeo fans.  We wish both Liz and Rich much happiness on their journey into retirement!

 Jim Ritchea – Quiet and unassuming, Jim takes great pride in ensuring our rodeo arena is properly groomed for our contestants and animal athletes.  No matter what is thrown at him, Jim always ensures our arena is immaculate.  Not even a broken tractor blade could keep him from ensuring the arena was ready for action.  Many times over the years, Jim has been seen walking the entire arena (north to south – east to west) to personally inspect every inch of the arena.  We thank him and his family for their many years of support.

Johnny Lee Zamrzla – Johnny Lee has many areas of responsibility.  His main duties include arena set up and break-down.  Along with the actual arena and pens themselves, he transports all of the needed heavy equipment required for our rodeo and PBR events – tractors, groomers, rototillers, tents, ice houses, rodeo trailer, and more.  He also ensures the bucking chutes and roping chutes are up and available year-round (at the Zamrzla Ranch) for the California High School Rodeo, rough stock practice, team roping practice, as well as calf roping and bull dogging.  Johnny Lee also works with Jim Ritchea and the entire arena crew to ensure the arena ground is ready and that proper water is installed and utilized.  He can also be seen loading cattle, opening bucking chutes during events, and proudly acts as his father’s right-hand man in the production of bull riding events and rodeos.

Traci Scorcelli – Traci is the assistant to Committee Member and Lady Horseman Sandy Travis.  Working together, they coordinate and work with our Visiting Royalty and Lady Horsemen preparing them for their responsibilities during the opening ceremonies.   Traci always ensures that our Sponsor Flags are clean and ready for presentation into the arena.  She coordinates with the Rodeo Announcer to ensure that each flag is presented in proper order and ensures the flags are quickly taken from our Queens as they exit the arena and another flag is ready for them as they re-enter the arena.  It is very fast paced and she always ensures our flags are ready for presentation. 

Dawn Babers – Dawn is Mr. Zamrzla’s assistant.  The question isn’t “What does she do?” - The question is “What doesn’t she do!”  Dawn works tirelessly year-round ensuring everything comes together.  She is the contact person and coordinator for all of our Sponsors, VIP’s, and contestants.  She acts as the liaison with our Partners and with the PRCA.  She ensures that information is disseminated to Committee members and our Partners and that everyone is in constant communication.  During the rodeo itself, you can find her smiling face at the entrance to our VIP area ready to welcome all of our visiting dignitaries, sponsors, and VIP’s.

Oscar Babers  - Oscar will tell you that his favorite duty is being his wife’s (Dawn’s) favorite pardner!  Shying away from the spotlight, Oscar can always be found quietly watching over our VIP area ensuring that all is well and that our VIP’s and their families are enjoying themselves.  He is always ready to lend a hand no matter what the task. 

Shawna Nelson – After our original web/social media coordinator, Jacob Nelson, left for college, his mom, Shawna stepped up and assumed the responsibilities of running both the PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo and Showdown Rodeo websites and social media pages.  She enthusiastically promotes each and every rodeo in the CA Circuit and keeps our fans, sponsors, and partners abreast of upcoming events along with topics of interest for our contestants and fans.  We are proud to announce that Shawna is the newest member of the Rodeo Committee.  Welcome aboard Shawna.     

Jacob Nelson and Molly Wineland - Although unable to attend the “meeting”, both Jacob Nelson and Molly Wineland were presented with personalized belt buckles.  Jacob continues to assist with our website and social media and designs most of the virtual “posters” you see on our Facebook Page.  For many years, Jacob and Molly have taken to the arena to perform/sing during pre-show ceremonies for our rodeo fans.  More importantly, together, Jacob and Molly sing our National Anthem before each performance.  They are always on hand to make TV appearances and interviews to promote our rodeo.   

Tom Fuller – Showdown Rodeo Inc., Committee Member.  Tom, along with his brother Tim,  is the owner of Hunter Dodge in Lancaster, CA – One of our Major Sponsors of the PRCA CA Circuit Finals Rodeo.  In addition to several other duties, Tom coordinates all of the advertising (print, television, radio, and billboards) for our events. 

Susan Gratham – In addition to running her own Real Estate Corporation, Susan acts as a liaison with our Partners to ensure all is in order outside of the arena at the Fairgrounds.  She also ensures the VIP area is set up and first-rate for all of our VIP’s.  She contracts for specialty acts for the California Heritage Days which runs in conjunction with the CA Finals at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.

Michelle Lewis – Michelle, along with her sister Adrienne, is the owner of Stephen B. Marvin Real Estate - one of our Rodeo Sponsors.   Michelle coordinates all of our volunteers, including the Showdown Chefs, Saddle-Up Therapeutic Riding Stables, and our Hospitality Hosts.  She assists with Sponsors and advertising, and assists with contract personnel.  Her million dollar mega-watt smile makes everyone with whom she comes in contact, feel special.

Sandy Travis – Sandy is the Founder of “Ride for the Pink”, an organization which raises monies for breast cancer research.  Sandy’s duties include, but are not limited to, “Barn Manager” for all contestants, and she is the coordinator for Visiting Royalty and the Lady Horsemen of the PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo.  She is also responsible for coordinating and preparing our “Opening Ceremonies”.  She, with the assistance of Traci Scorcelli, ensures our sponsor flags, as well as our State flag and Old Glory are presented into the arena with dignity and respect.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our long-time supporter and owner of Round Table Pizza (Lancaster, CA) and The Broken Bit Restaurant (Quartz Hill, CA) - Mr. Mike Burroughs.  He not only facilitates many of our meetings, but he also ensures we have plenty to eat!  Thank you to the entire Burroughs Family for all of your support over the years!

Congratulations to this year’s honorees.