Tribute By Mandy Pickering
This Fourth of July weekend, we invite you to celebrate more than just rodeo—we invite you to celebrate a legacy.
Thirty-seven years ago, H. John Kent, a hardworking entrepreneur turned his lifelong love of horses into a dream that became the Ellicottville Championship Rodeo. Through years of snow plowing, landscaping, logging, firewood, horse riding stables, and an unwavering work ethic, he built a life centered on family, community, and creating traditions that would last for generations.
His greatest pride wasn’t just the rodeo—it was his family. Fifty-five years ago, he met the love of his life, Karen, and together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. His children, Tammie and John, grew up sharing his passion for rodeo. Tammie became a trick and fancy rider and rodeo queen, while John made his mark as an accomplished bull rider. This year, we’re proud to continue that family tradition as John’s granddaughter, Jayden Doutt, performs as a trick and fancy rider and also competes in the cowgirl breakaway roping.
Although we unexpectedly lost the visionary behind this event last fall, his spirit lives on in every horse that enters the arena, every cheer from the grandstands, and every family that returns year after year to celebrate America’s birthday together.
We miss him more than words can express, but we know the greatest way to honor his memory is to continue the tradition he loved so dearly.
As we celebrate under Old Glory this Independence Day weekend—with world-class rodeo action, family fun, and the traditions he cherished—we invite you to celebrate not only the sport, but the remarkable man whose vision made it all possible.
Join us this weekend, July 2nd-4th at 7pm and July 5th at 2 pm, for championship bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, trick riding, steer wrestling, team roping, cowgirls breakaway roping, kids stick horse race, our famous Chicken BBQ, and memories that will last a lifetime!!