How can we properly head into 2022 taking a trip down memory lane? Below you will find our highlight stories from each month of 2021. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey as much as we have. We can’t wait for 2022 and hope you’ll join us for the ride!
January 2021 Highlights
Wickenburg Western Days 2021
In the midst of the pandemic, the normal “Wickenburg Gold Rush Days” was canceled last year. But the town of Wickenburg was not about to go a year without the rodeo, so Wickenburg Western Days was born! Being the first event, it was an absolute hit! We can’t wait to see what happens in Wickenburg this year so make sure to keep an eye out for any updates!
CLN Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of YETI’s Short Film Creation
We had a great year with our partner, YETI. Up until this point in the year, we had been able to do inside interviews with some of their ambassadors as well as take an inside look at one of the largest companies in the insulated cooler industry. If you are a fan of YETI’s Short Films just like I am, then you need to make sure to check out the full article because I had the opportunity to interview one of the guys that make those films possible, Scott Ballew, the Head of Content for YETI.
Aaron Watson Released Album, American Soul
All-American Cowboy and Country Music Sensation Aaron Watson’s Highly Anticipated Album, American Soul. From “Long Live Cowboys” to “Dog Tags” and “Touchdown Town,” the 10 track full-length album, produced by Aaron Watson and Phil O’Donnell, one of country music’s premiere hit-makers and producers (Craig Morgan, Joe Diffie, High Valley, and Josh Thompson), is sure to be the go-to country album of the new year — resonating with cowboys, patriots, and all American souls.
February 2021 Highlights
What Does Rodeo Look Like in 2021?
2020 was the western industry’s worst nightmare. Venues shut down, events canceling left and right, careers put on hold, and millions of dollars normally raised for non-profits across the country were lost. So what good came out of 2020? The good that came out of 2020 was that the rodeo industry was able to come together like no one has seen before to ensure our western way of life carries on. So the big question stands, what will the rodeo industry look like for the rest of 2021? Unfortunately, it was a rough start for several rodeos. We saw several events push back to a summer date but we have full hope that 2022 will be back to normal programming!
Red Dirt Country Artists You Should be Listening to
While we understand that at this stage in country music, there are different kinds of red dirt country artists, especially depending on where you live. If you live in Texas, I’m envious because your red-dirt scene out there is way better than it is here in Phoenix, Arizona. So go easy on me! In this story, there is a solid mix of red dirt country music artists and bands that deserve a listen if you are new to the red dirt country music scene. If you live in Texas and have someone we should be listening to, send them our way, we might just do a “Texas Red Dirt” article!
March 2021 Highlights
5 Types of Cowboys You Know and Love
As you read through this article, think about if might know any of these cowboys then consider sharing it with them. Back in March, we explored different types of cowboys that you might have in your life. This is a humorous piece, meant to give you a little chuckle. This article is intended for entertainment only and was not intended to be taken seriously, so please enjoy!
What You Need to Know About the WCRA
In the world of rodeo, contestants have been used to the same old structure for years now, show up to specifically sanctioned rodeos, compete sometimes for up to ten days in a row, with no guarantee of a decent payout. The World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) is changing the narrative for rodeo contestants. They are doing this by allowing ANY rodeo event to be a qualifier, which means rodeo contestants can attend any event of their choosing and get points as long that event has been approved. In a large effort to expand the sport of rodeo, WCRA is changing the game for rodeo contestants across the nation.
April 2021 Highlights
We Celebrated the 73rd Annual Redding Rodeo
What started as a small, one-day event back in September of 1943, is now one of the best rodeos on the west coast. After going through a few different phases and having other names, the Redding Rodeo Association was born in the 1980s and that’s when Redding Rodeo started forming into the event that we see today. But the Redding Rodeo isn’t just a rodeo, there are typically several days of events; Specials Kids day to celebrate the otherly-abled children in our area, Heritage Day where kids in K-4 learn what it is to be in a rodeo, be a rancher, a horse person and be responsible and respectful while learning about the local heritage. This year’s dates are May 18-21, 2022, so mark it in your calendar!
CLN Exclusive Interview with Charlie Sampson
It’s not every day that you get to meet a legend of rodeo, so I was honored to have the opportunity to sit down with World Champion Bull Rider, Charlie Sampson to gain a little insight on his life leading up til’ now and what his goals are moving forward. I truly hope you enjoy this article as much as I enjoyed creating it.
May 2021 Highlights
Vexil Brand Athlete Highlight: Cody Teel
This interview was the fourth article in Vexil Brand Highlight Series. Up until May, we have had amazing interviews with Shawn Wiese, Owner of XDS Sports and Vexil Brand, Derek Kolbaba, Carson Jeffrey, and now PBR Rider, Cody Teel! I was thankful to snag a few minutes of Cody’s time to chat with him about his career highlights, goals, and how he gets ready for his rides, hope you enjoy it!
The Southwest’s Hidden Gem: Navajo Nation
Join the Cowboy Lifestyle Network team as we explore everything that is the Navajo Nation. We will be deep-diving into their culture, history, athletes, makers, natural wonders, and much more. Welcome to the place where history comes alive. Welcome to the Navajo Nation!
June 2021 Highlights
Record Rack’s ‘Bucks for the Brave’ is Back with Spencer Boyd for 2021
In their fourth season of partnership with NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd, Record Rack® premium wildlife feed (brand owned by Cargill, Inc.), is again asking for nominations of heroes to attend their annual Bucks for the Brave charitable event. This contest allows you to nominate Veterans (no longer serving) and retired First Responders (Law Enforcement, Firefighters) to win the hunting experience of a lifetime. We were excited to promote yet another year of this event with Spencer and Record Rack.
What Drought Brings for Farmers & Ranchers
Drought can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. But if you’re talking to a farmer or rancher, drought can mean devastation in more ways than one. It doesn’t matter where you live, drought can have an effect on everyone. What we hope to clarify for you today is the effects of drought and ways that you can not only protect yourself as a farmer or rancher, but ways you can help your ranching or farming neighbors as well.
July 2021 Highlights
Lone River Ranch Water has Officially Landed in Arizona
Listen up hard seltzer fans, there’s a new seltzer in town and you’re about to be blown away. From the desert of West Texas, Lone River Ranch Water has officially landed in Arizona! If you’re wondering what kind of alcoholic beverage named “Ranch Water” could possibly taste like, keep reading and I’ll tell you about it, but first, let’s chat about who came up with such a thing and where “ranch water” got its start.
Chief Joseph Days 2021
We were excited to see that Chief Joseph Days 2021 was taking place as normal last year. Taking place in Joseph, Oregon, this small town rodeo is anything by small! This event is a great combination of honoring western heritage, culture, and rodeo in Wallowa County. Keep reading for all the event information! The dates for 2022 are July 27th-30th, 2022.
August 2021 Highlights
Arizona Recognizes Navajo Code Talkers Day
Back in 1982, President Ronald Reagan established a presidential proclamation that stated August 14th would be the National day to recognize Navajo Code Talkers and their immense contribution to the success of World War II. Our home state of Arizona has decided to take it further and also recognize August 14th, Navajo Code Talkers Day within the state.
Diamond A Ranch: Arizona’s Largest Working Cattle Ranch
The west is still very much alive in Arizona! To be a little more specific, the west is still alive in Seligman, Arizona, home to Arizona’s largest and oldest cattle operations in the state, Diamond A Ranch. Beyond re-ride stories and stories passed down from the generations, we were able to snag some time with Ranch Manager and Cattle Operations Owner, Rick Kieckhefer, who let us in on some of the details of the Diamond A Ranch.
September 2021 Highlights
Miss Rodeo Arizona 2022
Going on its 39th year, the Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant took place September 9-11. For the first time ever, it was held in Queen Creek, Arizona. Over the span of three days, contestants competed in various categories including horsemanship, public speaking, modeling, and personality. The girls that competed meticulously prepared, knowing what a prestigious title they were competing for. Not only was one cowgirl crowned as the new state titleholder, but the contest awarded scholarship monies as well. The organization was excited to crown Kennadee Riggs as the 2022 Miss Rodeo Arizona.
Lone River Ranch Water: Where Will it Take You?
Hey everyone, if you are just tuning then you are in for a treat! Up until now, I have been able to cover two other great articles on Lone River Ranch Water’s release to Arizona. If you haven’t read those yet, make sure you do, but today we are excited to go on a little local, Arizona adventure! All of the sites below are situated in the Tonto National Forest, in some locations you will need a parking permit so make sure to check all travel requirements before you go. If you are looking for a day trip with some beverage stops along the way, this list is a perfect route for that. I hope you enjoy and always drink responsibly!
October 2021 Highlights
Drink Just LeDoux It
In honor of the world champion bareback rider and singer-songwriter, Chris LeDoux is Drink Just LeDoux It. Drink Just LeDoux It offers a wide variety of handcrafted spirits with a selection from whiskey, vodka, wine, and glass wear. LeDoux’s music has captured the spirit of the western industry from the country music world to rodeos. A portion of all proceeds goes back to Make-A-Wish and the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation.
Chad Berger Bucking Bulls Takes on PBR World Finals
PBR fans, the PBR World Finals are right around the corner! Are y’all ready to see the world’s best bull riders go head to head with the best bulls in the industry? The PBR World Finals is headed to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 3rd to November 7th, 2021. 10X PBR Stock Contractor of the Year, Chad Berger has been getting his bulls ready and will be hauling in his best bulls for the PBR World Finals. Get ready as you’ll witness the world’s top bull riding athlete’s take on the rankest bulls of all time. We’ll see who ends up being the 2021 PBR World Champion.
November 2021 Highlights
CLN Insider with Kaycee Feild
We haven’t had a CLN Insider in quite some time, we are excited to kick off a piece with the one and only Kaycee Feild. With him gearing up for the National Finals Rodeo, we were lucky enough to snag a few minutes of his time to catch up with him and see how he is getting ready. Hope you enjoy it! We should also note that Kaycee just won another World Championship at the NFR 2021, congrats Kaycee!
ATN Corp Joined the CLN Family
If you’re a hunter of any kind, then you know how important it is to have equipment that you can rely on when you’re on a hunt. In addition to their top-of-the-line products, ATN has technology that comes with their products to make safety a top priority when hunting by yourself or in groups. Ready to learn more? Check them out today.
December 2021 Highlights
Navajo Nation Athletes Heading to the NFR
In partnership with the Navajo Nation, we are excited to cover the Navajo Nation Athletes you will be able to follow at the NFR this year in Las Vegas. Both men are not veterans of rodeo and are ready to show Las Vegas what they’ve got. Introducing your two 2022 NFR Navajo Qualifiers, Derrick Begay and Erich Rogers!
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021
After a long year, our team returned to Vegas for the NFR 2021! If you aren’t excited, you should be because Cowboy Lifestyle Network is taking over Vegas December 2-11, 2021. Taking place at the good ole Thomas and Mack Center, fans and athletes alike are more than ready for the 10-day super bowl of rodeo. Below you will find everything you need to know about the NFR, plus some.
A huge thanks to all of our partners this year that made all of this possible. We can’t wait to see what 2022 brings! Happy new year everyone!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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