Categories: Rodeo News

2016 Rodeo All-Star Weekend Highlights

Written by

The 2016 Rodeo All-Star Weekend took place on April 15th and 16th against the beautiful backdrop of Denver, Colorado.

Families and rodeo fans of all ages crowded into the National Western Complex for two days of pure fun! Take a look at some of the exciting events that made the 2016 Rodeo All-Star Weekend so special.

The Rodeo

Each year, the Rodeo All-Star Event attracts competitors from all around the world. The online channels, The Arena Insider, Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Ak-Chin Indian Community, and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team covered all the terrific events of the weekend in Denver. Kids and adults alike wandered around the events area together taking in all the sights and sounds of the festival-like atmosphere.

The weekend’s schedule of rodeo events had something for everyone. There was the heart-stopping bull riding competition along with saddle bronc riding. Fans watched breathlessly as the competitors in the barrel racing competition flew around the course in an effort to stay in the saddle and finish with the fastest time. Cowboys struggled to bring gigantic steers to the ground in the steer wrestling competition. Riders also showed off their talents in the team roping, tie-down roping and bareback riding competitions.

Plenty of Great Music

On April 15th, fans were treated to a concert featuring the Grammy-nominated Brothers Osborne. The show, presented by Pepsi, gave fans the chance to kick back and enjoy some of their favorite songs such as “Stay a Little Longer” and “Rum”. Those who bought a ticket for the Friday night rodeo got to see the concert as well as Murdoch’s Fashion Showcase free of charge.

Famous Cowboys and Cowgirls

There were many kids and adults waiting anxiously for Saturday afternoon to arrive. The Lunch with Champions event gave them the chance to meet and talk with many of the cowboy and cowgirl stars of the rodeo. Cowgirl Lindsay Kruse was there to say hello to fans. Other stars of the event included Will Lowe, Clayton VanAken, Michael Otero and Ty Parkinson. Getting up close and personal with the stars was one of the biggest highlights of the weekend.

A Fashion Showcase

After the rodeo, fans got to attend Murdoch’s Fashion Showcase to get some ideas on how to dress like a real cowboy or cowgirl. Jeans, jackets, boots and, of course, cowboy hats were all on display during this music-filled event.

Mutton Bustin’

Five to seven-year-old rodeo fans got a taste of the action when they participated in the Mutton Bustin’ competition. Contestants tried their hardest to hang on to the back of a running wooly lamb for as long as their little hands could hold on!
Whether they were trying their luck at staying on the mechanical bull or sitting back to enjoy genuine rodeo food, fans had an unforgettable time at the 2016 Rodeo All-Star Weekend in Denver.

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and Darkhorse Benefits and Operation Guardian (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.