As we finish up our 20th consecutive sold out performance at the Fiesta Days Rodeo in Spanish Fork Utah, a Wrangler Million Dollar Tour rodeo, I want to reflect on how our contract personnel help to make this truly the greatest show on dirt. We take pride in offering the best value in entertainment and best produced show in the state of Utah. This is only possible due to the professionalism shown by every individual that takes part in the production.
We as a committee have been talking about Frankie “Punkintown” Smith for about 5 years now and finally had the opportunity to sign him. If you have ever talked with him, you know that he is never out of character, because “clownin” is not what he does but who he is. Punkintown was ready and willing to do anything he could to support and promote our rodeo. From the time we signed contracts with him (18 months prior to the performance) to the day after the last performance he was at task making the rodeo the best it could be. He fulfilled every measure of the contract 110%.
Besides his personal contribution, he brings a supporting staff that is second to none. His pony “Turbo: the smartest horse on earth” brought the crowd to their feet. And speaking of feet you should see what Punkintown can do with his! His tap shoes were smokin’ (another crowd pleaser). But I would be amiss if I failed to mention the biggest contribution to his show, ever behind the scenes but always there is his beautiful wife Laurie. Don’t tell Punkintown, but I believe that it might be her smile that keeps everyone coming back to their booth at the PRCA convention.
The committee at Fiesta Days Rodeo focuses on a family friendly event for all ages. When we first spoke with Punkintown he had all the right answers for us. He said that he would give a truly funny performance without crossing the line of family friendly. That is not easily done and as we have experienced in the past, can really costs us customers if the barrel man doesn’t keep it clean for our community. Punkintown never missed a beat! He kept the crowd in stitches all four nights of the rodeo. Not one complaint came in about his humor or demeanor. Although we did receive countless emails that praised his acts and comedy! It is unusual to get the spectators to take time to send in something that is done right.
Punkintown will be invited back for a repeat performance in the future. He left the rodeo not only as a successful contract act, but as a personal friend to those who worked beside him during the week. I overheard a four year old young man ask him, “what in the hell are you doin’ Punkintown?” In answer, I say he was helping to make 2011 the best Fiesta Days Rodeo yet!
Trent Anderson
Fiesta Days Rodeo Committee
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