PRCA Rodeo Arena Volunteer

Approx. Number of Volunteers Needed: Ten to 14 (10-14)

Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator, Wyoming State Fair Foundation & Rodeo Superintendent
Works In Coordination With: PRCA Rodeo Personnel
Classification: Volunteer
Location: Wyoming State Fairgrounds
Service Term: Thursday and Friday of Wyoming State Fair, Variety of Shift Times Available

Position Summary

Arena Volunteers support the safe and efficient operation of the rodeo and flow of the show by assisting with arena flow, opening gates, sorting stock, setting barrels and other roles to help with the rodeo production.

Mission Alignment

Supports execution of a high-quality PRCA rodeo that is entertaining to spectators and provides a fair opportunity to competitors.

Key Responsibilities

A variety of different roles are available including those with no experience necessary. Examples of possible roles:
- Sorting Cattle
- Opening gates to allow contestants into the arena
- Opening the gate for the tractor to have access to the arena
- Setting barrels for the barrel race
- Collecting judges sheets and taking them to the rodeo secretary
- Helping strip ropes off of cattle

Schedule and Time Commitment

Arena volunteers can serve during one or more of the following timeframes:

Single Steer Roping Slack: Thursday at 9 am
Performance #1: Thursday at 7 pm
Barrel Racing Slack: Thursday following Performance #1
Timed Event Slack: Friday at 9 am
Performance #2: Friday at 7 pm

Each service period requires approximately 3-6 hours

Qualifications

Required

Minimum age of 12 years
Ability to follow instructions
Dependable and punctual
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Professional and positive attitude

Preferred

Interest in rodeo or livestock

Physical and Other Requirements

Ability to walk around the arena
Ability to stand for extended periods
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Working Conditions

Outdoor environment
Exposure to weather and dust

Why This Role Matters

Arena Volunteers are a critical component of rodeo operations. Their ability to maintain timing, ensure safe gate operations, and support contract personnel directly impacts contestant safety and overall performance quality. A well-run arena keeps the event on schedule, minimizes risk to livestock and contestants, and ensures a professional and seamless experience for spectators.

Because PRCA rodeos operate on precise timing and coordination among multiple moving parts—including livestock, contestants, pickup men, and arena personnel—any breakdown in flow can quickly affect the event’s entertainment quality. Arena Volunteers help prevent delays, reduce safety risks, and uphold the standards expected at a professional rodeo. Their role is essential to delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Abbie Long- Director

Growing up in Casper, Abbie developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, community, natural resources, and the traditions that bring people together across the state. Her family owns a cow/calf operation outside of Kaycee, and that connection to Wyoming’s agricultural roots continues to shape her perspective and values.

After graduating with a B.A. in Business from the University of Puget Sound, Abbie had corporate accounting experience working for Zumiez and Zulily before relocating back to Wyoming. She currently works for UBS in financial reporting and equity compensation, supporting corporate clients.

Abbie lives in Sheridan with her husband, Steve, and their three children. She is deeply passionate about youth programs that promote education and hands-on involvement in agriculture, and she is committed to supporting opportunities that help young people learn, grow, and stay connected to Wyoming’s heritage.

Burt Andreen- Director

Burt Andreen, a Casper native, was raised with a deep appreciation for agriculture and community service. As a youth, he exhibited hogs and cattle at both the Natrona County Fair and the Wyoming State Fair, experiences that helped shape his strong work ethic and competitive spirit.

Burt is a graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Engineering and currently helps lead his family’s general contracting business in Casper. In addition to his professional work, he remains actively involved in agriculture through his small farm west of town, where he raises hay and manages a cow-calf operation.

Committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, Burt serves as an assistant advisor for the Natrona County High School FFA chapter and has been a member of the Junior Livestock Sale Committee for more than ten years. He is honored to join the Wyoming State Fair Foundation Board and looks forward to helping strengthen and preserve the Wyoming State Fair for future generations.

End of Year Giving Campaign

Dear Friend of the Wyoming State Fair Foundation,

We invite you to be part of something meaningful.

The Wyoming State Fair Foundation (WSFF) was created to ensure the Wyoming State Fair continues to thrive for future generations-celebrating our state’s agriculture, youth, education, heritage, and industry.

As a brand-new nonprofit, we’ve already begun investing in essential upgrades, launching a scholarship program, and supporting hands-on education like Everyday Agriculture. But we need your help to grow.

Your annual gift will:

Whether $25 or $2,500, your donation builds a stronger foundation for the Fair’s future.

Together, we’re keeping Wyoming traditions alive-and building new ones. Thank you for being part of our story.

Please watch for the annual request in your mailbox around November 15th, or check back here for a copy of the letter.

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Sarah Stoltenberg- Secretary

Sarah Stoltenberg is a proud wife to Dany Stoltenberg and mom of four great kids. Although Sarah wasn’t born in Wyoming, she has established roots right after graduating from Colorado State University (CSU), she is a passionate advocate for youth development, agriculture, and community service.

With a background as a former Converse County 4-H Extension Educator, Sarah has played a key role in fostering leadership, responsibility, and hands-on learning opportunities for youth. Her dedication to the 4-H program continues as a 4-H Leader and Volunteer, where she remains actively involved in mentoring young people and encouraging their success in agriculture, leadership, and life skills.

In addition to her work with 4-H, Sarah is now a Realtor with RE/MAX Horizon Realty, where she helps families and individuals find their perfect homes.

As a strong supporter of agriculture and youth education, Sarah is honored to be part of the Wyoming State Fair Foundation, where she continues to champion the future of Wyoming’s agricultural heritage and the next generation of leaders.

Jim Willox- Treasurer

Jim Willox was raised on a 4th generation cattle ranch south of Douglas, Wyoming. Jim is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a BS in Agriculture Economics. Upon graduation he served as an intern for Congressman Craig Thomas from January to May of 1990.

Jim returned to the ranch in May of 1990 and was on the ranch until 2001 when the family sold the ranch and Jim and his family “moved to town”.

Since January of 2007, Jim has served as a Converse County Commissioner. He has served multiple terms as chairman of the board. Jim has also been very active with the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, (WCCA), serving as Chairman of the Transportation committee, Association Treasurer, Vice Chairman and a 2-year term as President of the WCCA. Jim was an active 4H and FFA member and showed at the state fair. His earliest memories of the WSF are of his Dad serving on the parade committee and how the last float was his Dad tossing candy out the back of their family station wagon. Besides the WSF Foundation board, Jim serves on the Wyoming Transportation Commission and the Board of Directors for the Wyoming Lottery.

Jim has been a high school basketball official for the past 24 years and has officiated at regional and state tournaments.

Jim and his wife Tione are small business owners who operate several commercial and residential rental properties, including T&J Maxi Storage.

Barb Dilts- Vice President

Barb Dilts’s roots run deep in Wyoming soil, dating back to 1879. Following in her father’s footprints, Fred Shaw Hageman, who was Chairman of the Wyoming State Fair Improvement Committee from 1978 to 1980 and a Representative to the Western Fairs Association in 1978, Barb has spent her lifetime living and promoting agriculture and nurturing Wyoming’s way of life. She is a Wyoming native, born and raised in the state. Barb is a proud graduate of the University of Wyoming as well as a graduate of Leadership Wyoming, Class of 2003. She and her family raised their children on the family ranch, where they learned the values and life lessons of agriculture along with the many benefits of participation in 4H and FFA. The family has been fortunate to experience the rewards of living in a thriving and supportive agricultural community. Barb believes the Wyoming State Fair provides a caring and supportive environment that fosters generational and ongoing learning experiences based on family traditions, values, and the development of good work ethic and teamwork. Wyoming is her passion, and she has a deep love for the land and its people. She has also served on numerous state and local boards. Barb is committed to supporting youth and promoting the growth, stability, and sustainability of the Wyoming State Fair. She hopes to help create an environment that maintains and strengthens the Fair’s Mission Statement for generations to come. To her, WSFF could also mean: Wyoming State Fair Forever.

Rindy West- Executive Director

Rindy West brings over 23 years of fund development experience in nonprofits. She was most recently the Development Director for Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom, and brings a rich knowledge and history of fundraising campaign management, donor development, grant procurement, relationship building, budgeting, and event production. She is an enthusiastic, collaborative driven, focused professional with a strong background in production agriculture, agriculture business, agriculture relations, youth life skill education, and Wyoming’s economic drivers. Rindy grew up on a farm, ranch, and feedlot in the sandhills of Nebraska, graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Ag Business and a minor in Marketing and Animal Science, and has been in the Cowboy State ever since. It all comes full circle for Rindy, as she started her career as the 4-H Agent in Douglas, Wyoming after college graduation. Rindy was on the livestock and meats judging teams at UW and her passion for the ag way of life has been a big part of who she is and what she will always want others to understand. It has been the biggest driving factor in the activities that she and her husband Justin’s three children, Braden-age 22, Jhett-age 19, and Wynn-age 13 are involved in. The family is wholeheartedly active in 4-H, FFA and extra-curricular school activities. Rindy is a 17 year 4-H leader and is active with the Albert J. Goodwater FFA Alumni.

Bob Heykoop- President

Bob Heykoop grew up in Wheaton, IL, before moving to Wyoming in 1984 to attend college. Before launching his financial planning career, Bob owned and operated 6 Service Master franchises for 12 years in the Denver metro area. Bob and his wife Virginia split their time between their homes in Wyoming and Colorado. Together, they enjoy spending time with their family & friends and enjoying several outdoor activities, particularly camping, fishing and trail riding. Bob graduated with a B.S. from the University of Phoenix in Business Management and also obtained a certificate in retirement planning with the title of “Retirement Planning Specialist” from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Bob earned the much sought after Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 2005 after completing 3 years of coursework. He began his career in 2002 with AXA Advisors providing comprehensive financial consulting services to businesses, non-profits, individuals, and families.

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