CWFR Champions
Jake Hoffman
2007 Zipper-Riding Champion
"It sure was fun!"
Jake Hoffman's been riding the Zipper for 8 years - ever since he was 14. He digs riding it because, in his words, "it's different every time!" He also says it's just one of those rides you've got to experience at the Fair & Rodeo - if you're up for it! There are always a few friends trying to outdo one another, so it's hard to say whether he'll remain the champ this year. It wasn't his goal in the past to win the championship, but he says "It sure was fun!"
Nichole Goddard
2007 Pocket Pet Champion
"It's really laid-back."
Nichole Goddard has been entering in this show for smaller animals for the past five years. Not the typical 4-H projects, Goddard says she and her hamster will be judged on things like how well she knows and cares for her animal, its overall health and grooming, and even how well she decorates its cage! Her sisters show guinea pigs, but she "wanted something smaller." She really likes participating in pocket pets because it's a great opportunity for people who live in town to show their animals, and because "it's really laid-back."
Hannah Martinez
Wyoming Idol - 2007 1st Place Champion
"Singing is my whole life..."
Hannah Martinez has been singing her whole life. She began recording when she was about 2, and playing guitar when she was 15. Her mother and father are both musicians - in fact, her father has played in a band her whole life! What she loves most about music is - "It kills the blues. It helps me feel better whenever I feel down. It can put you wherever you want it to put you ... Music is just a part of my soul. Wherever it takes me, it takes me."
Kelly Timberman
Wrangler NFR - 2005 1st Place Bareback Champion
"It's man against beast!"
Although he didn't become involved in rodeo until college, Kelly Timberman was no stranger to the sport. His dad - who he deems his hero - rodeo'd professionally for about 13 years, and Timberman wanted to be just like him. About his exciting profession, he says it's special to be from Casper, Wyoming - the Cowboy State! -and to be a bareback rider. "It's something I always aspired to be and dreamed of." He also urges people who have never seen a rodeo to go and see one, because "after that, you'll be hooked!"
Ron Richner
2007 Hay Champion
"Raising Hay is my business..."
Ron Richner began entering the Hay Contest at the request of a man named Tom Heald. Five years later, he's still going strong! He really enjoys the opportunity to promote Wyoming hay and agriculture. "Raising hay is my business," he says. "I hope to get more people involved in putting up quality hay." As for getting more people involved in this event, he notes a need to get more farmers and ranchers to test their hay, either for the markets they're supplying or the needs of their livestock. "Not all hays is the same quality," he says. "Looks are deceiving."
