[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’ve been in the Valley for any time, you’ve probably heard of Earnhardt Auto Centers and their “No Bull” approach to automobile sales. Did you also know that Earnhardt is also among the sponsors of Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association events? Based in Buckeye, Arizona, Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association (GCPRA) is Arizona’s largest professional rodeo association. The organization promotes and supports rodeo with events to showcase the skills of professional cowboys and cowgirls from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. GCPRA events offer thrilling competition for cowboys and cowgirls, as well as family friendly events for spectators of all ages to enjoy. Some well-known GCPRA events include Lost Dutchman Days in Apache Junction in February, the Deuces Wild Rodeo in Show Low in July, and the Navajo County Fair and Rodeo in September in Holbrook, Arizona. The GCPRA also sanctions the Copper Dust Stampede east of the Valley in Globe and the Delbert Days Rodeo in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. For those seeking rodeo thrills out of state, GCPRA events include Red Ryder Roundup in July in Pagosa Springs, Colorado; Colorado River Roundup in Needles, California; April Fools Showdown in Shiprock, New Mexico; and Durango Fiesta Days Rodeo in Colorado. Wherever you go in the region, you’re likely to find a GCPRA event not too far away! GCPRA also hosted its own rodeo finals event in November in Fort Mohave, Arizona. This third annual event included thrilling rodeo action with barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, bronc riding and steer wrestling. GCPRA promotes professionalism and competitive rodeo events. As a long-time Arizona business, Earnhardt Auto Centers is also a proud supporter of all things rodeo and the Western lifestyle. Next time you’re in the market for a car, visit any of the Earnhardt Auto Centers around the Valley or in Las Vegas. You’ll like what you find![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.
