Residents sit back and enjoy Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo in Grover

GROVER -- Simply sitting in the bed of his red pickup to watch the rodeo is something Jason Smith has tried -- and dislikes.

This year, however, he decided to do something about the uncomfortable conundrum.

"I got new furniture for the house and said, 'I guess old furniture is coming down here,' " said Smith with a smile, sitting back in a large recliner stationed in the back of his truck and holding his 18-month-old daughter, Lexi. "We're gonna kick back and relax."

Such sights -- tents pitched across the rodeo grounds and people in lawn chairs a few feet from the ring -- are a common occurrence at the Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo in Grover. One of the first rodeos in northern Colorado, the annual tradition -- in its 85th year -- is the biggest event of the year for the small town.

According to Alice Ewing of Sterling, the rodeo offers a glimpse back to the days when a rodeo was simply cowboys taking the day off to compete against each other.

"It's back to the way rodeos should be, or used to be, with out all the commercialism," said Alice Ewing, sitting in the less-cushioned wood grandstands with her husband, John. "You're right up with all the riders. That's why we come -- to remember what rodeo's supposed to be like."

Riders from across Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington and Texas competed on Saturday in the small venue, which features no advertising signs along the rails (to allow for better viewing from lawn chairs and recliners) and is littered with campers and mobile homes of residents -- some of which were parked there since Monday.

Sitting on his horse, Scooter, as he waited to compete in steer roping, Trey Wallace said he was glad he made the long journey from Swinney Switch, Texas, about 95 miles south of San Antonio, to compete Saturday.

"I like it," said Wallace as his horse let out a loud grunt. "It's in the middle of nowhere, but it's all right."

Doing just what he planned, Smith relaxed and looked ahead to early Sunday morning when members of the Pawnee Fire Protection District traditionally cook a large breakfast for those attending the event. Though admitting that an early wake-up call provided by the fire engines to alarm people that breakfast is ready may leave some a bit cranky, Smith is not worried. After all, it is all in the spirit of the event -- a big rodeo in a small town.

"People are just here to have a good time," Smith said. "That's the easy way to put it."

Today's rodeo schedule:

7-11 a.m.: Rodeo Breakfast at Pawnee Fire Station, 319 Chatoga St. in Grover

11 a.m.: Cowboy Church Service at Rodeo Grounds

1:30 p.m.: Day Two of the 85th Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo