TRISH YERGES photo Norma Rysdam of rural Elgin is the 2010 grand marshal during the Elgin Stampede Rodeo events July 8-11.

ELGIN –The Stampeders will honor Norma Rysdam of rural Elgin as their

2010 grand marshal during the Elgin Stampede Rodeo events July 8-11.

“I’m honored to be their choice this year,” said Norma. “It came as

such a surprise because I didn’t do much in the saddle, but I was a

supporter.”

A native of Idaho, Norma came to Elgin in 1950. She attended Elgin High School and following graduation in 1953, she married Darrell Rysdam. They made their residence on a ranch on Cricket Flat and engaged in raising 200 head of cattle. Today, the Rysdam ranch encompasses 750 acres where Norma and her grown children continue to raise commercial cross-breed cattle.

Darrell and Norma were recruited by the Stampeders in 1953 right after they were married.

“Larry Follett was the president of the Stampeders then,” said Norma, “and he asked us to join because he wanted Darrell to race.”

Darrell enjoyed the races, and Norma worked as an usher at the Stampede rodeo. During the following decades she also served as treasurer and queen mother. She sold program ads, served as co-chair of the crab feed and helped with the club events and play days.

“The club events and play days with the kids were the most fun,” said Norma.

As Norma and Darrell raised their three children, Jerry, Jan and Joni, their social lives revolved around the Elgin Stampede and its activities. In those early years, the Rysdams joined other Stampede families including the Hibberds, McClures, Bechtels, Hindmans, Evanses and the Cases.

The Rysdam girls each experienced the honor becoming a Stampede Queen, Jan (Thompson) in 1973 and Joni (Cant) in 1977. They also rode on the drill team and presented sponsor flags for many years. Norma recalled those early days and how she and Darrell supported their girls.

“We were proud of them,” said Norma. “It was a lot of hard work. As parents we had to be behind them if they were going to get anywhere.”

Their son, Jerry, accepted many responsibilities with the Stampeders and served as drill master for 27 years. Like his father before him, he also competed in the suicide race, now called the Stampede Challenge.

“Our family’s trophies are all on display at the Stampede Hall,” said Norma.

Members of the third generation of the family have also appeared in the rodeo ring over the years. Joni’s daughter, Kristi Williamson, was active in the drill team and in presenting sponsor flags. This year, Kristi will compete in the professional barrels. Likewise, Jan’s son, Bo Thompson, served for many years as a clown and bullfighter on family night. Two other grandchildren, Chad Thompson and Ryan Rysdam participated in the Family Night fun when they were young as well.

As a life-long supporter of the Stampeders, Norma feels very satisfied to see her children and grandchildren experiencing the Stampeders lifestyle that she and Darrell enjoyed together so much.

Thinking back over the past 57 years of her membership, she’s pleased to see the progress of the organization and rodeo.

“It’s grown so much,” said Norma, “and they have better facilities today. They have done a lot of building, and that plays a part in bringing a bigger crowd to the rodeo.”

Norma will be introduced to the rodeo audience as the 2010 grand marshal at the beginning of each rodeo program, and she will also ride her 10-year-old Palomino, Tony, in the Grand Parade Sunday morning.

“I want to invite everyone to come,” said Norma, “and enjoy the rodeo, bull-riding, family night and parade with me and my family.”

The 64th annual Elgin Stampede Rodeo will officially open their gates on Family Night July 8 at 6 p.m. Family Night’s free admission is sponsored by Community Bank. The Kids Parade will start Friday at 10 a.m. The rodeos on Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. followed by live music and dancing at the Stampede Hall at

9 p.m. The Grand Parade will start on Sunday at 11 a.m. and the Stampede Challenge begins at 1:45 p.m. followed by the rodeo at 2 p.m. Food and beverages are sold at the concession stand on the rodeo grounds.

Advanced tickets may be purchased from the rodeo queen candidates Kimberlie Graffunder at 541-975-3520 and Audra Hoadley at 541-805-1152. Advanced tickets sell for $12 adults and $7 children; and tickets at the gate will sell for $14 adults and $9 children.