As I write this, there’s an electricity in the air that only comes once a year – that unmistakable feeling that Vegas is calling. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is just around the corner, and for ten solid days of competition – truly three full weeks of events, gatherings, and celebrations – our roping community will converge on the brightest lights in the desert to witness the very best of what we do.This will be my second year heading to Vegas as a writer, photographer, publisher, and promoter for Ropers Sports News, and I am honored.
I just returned from Oklahoma City, where I attended the National Rodeo Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the first time, and it changed something in me. The museum itself is breathtaking – a masterpiece of western heritage preservation – but it was the people who brought me to tears.The men being inducted, the men I visited with in the lobby, in the restaurant, throughout the museum – they were the most genuine, kind, honorable, talented, hard-working, godly, family-oriented, loving human beings all gathered in one room. Every single inductee poured his heart out on that stage, sharing his love for God, country, and family with a selflessness that was overwhelming. There wasn’t a selfish bone among them; Pure devotion to something far greater than themselves.
Joey and everyone at the National Rodeo Hall of Fame were so incredibly kind to me, and I’m grateful for their warmth and hospitality. Being there reminded me why stories matter, why legacy matters. We are 58 years old as a publication with a rich archive of rodeo history, and witnessing that ceremony reinforced that preserving these stories isn’t just our mission – it’s our sacred trust to the generations coming after us.Which brings me to what I really want to say: thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every customer who has believed in what we’re doing. This transition into magazine format and lifestyle storytelling has been turbulent at times, navigating something new and different for our industry. But you’ve stayed with us, and that means everything.
To all the producers who have supported us – your encouragement has carried us through. My recent time in Reno at the ACTRA roping finals was one of those experiences I’ll never forget. The volunteers, staff, and competitors welcomed me with such genuine warmth as we move into this new chapter of Ropers Sports News. That spirit of community, all of us working together to preserve the heritage and legacy of the rodeo and roping way of life – it’s what makes this industry so special.
Special recognition goes to Lacey Parsons, who has been my rock through this transition. As a generational producer and competitor herself, she loves this sport and understands what it takes to keep thriving. If you have an event or story to share, reach out to Lacey – she’d love to hear from you. I also want to thank Bob Feist and Sharon Camarillo, who have been such wonderful mentors to me during this transition. Their guidance and friendship mean more to me than I can say, and I love them both dearly.
A housekeeping note: some ACTRA members who previously subscribed through ACTRA may have
experienced some miscommunication as we worked through technical issues. If that’s you, please reach out to us directly at the office, and I’ll personally make sure you’re taken care of. We’re a mom-and-pop operation and we are doing our very best.
As we head into Vegas, I’m filled with hard work and determination to honor the western legacy and by our way of life. I hope to see many of you throughout those three incredible weeks. And as always, my door is open – if you have feedback or ideas, please call the office or email anytime.
Here’s to Vegas, to honoring our past while celebrating our present, and to all of you who make this ride worth doing.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dee Yates
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Ropers Sports News
