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The Cody Stampede in 2011 got one of the greatest compliments I think we’ve ever received. A freelance photographer representing a couple of western magazines told me that in his three years of covering rodeo, this was the first truly, thoroughly, 100% family show he’s attended. There were none of the underlying political messages, social biases, sexual innuendo, or hidden biases that he’s used to hearing. I see this as a great tribute to our barrelman, Frankie “Punkintown” Smith. There’s not a mean bone in his body. I suspect that even his mother-in-law loves his mother-in-law jokes. And no parent has to be embarrassed when his kid says, “Tell me what that means, Daddy.” Punkintown is funny, energetic, unexpected, and always appropriate. He obviously loves people, and nobody has a better time at the rodeo than he does.
Punkintown goes beyond the call of duty for us as well – radio, parades, public appearances, autograph sessions. I’m sure he’s sold a bunch of tickets for us. It didn’t take long for Frankie and Laurie to become part of the Cody Stampede family, and we’re looking forward to their continuing to be part of our tradition.
Paul Fees
Past President
Cody Stampede
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