By Paige Nash
Luther Gerald “Pete” Colvin was a true cowboy through and through, as well as an active member of the National Rifle Association, Cattleman’s Association and his church, First Baptist Sibley. Colvin was inducted into the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association (LRCA) Hall of Fame in 2011.
After his death in December of 2020, the Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Company felt it was only right to honor his life and legacy by dedicating this rodeo to him. They announced in July of last year that the annual Minden LRCA Rodeo would now be presented as the Pete Colvin Memorial Rodeo.
The rodeo was held at the Jack Batton Arena in Minden over the weekend. Events kicked off Friday evening, followed by a parade down Main Street Saturday morning and even more fun that night.
Being a sanctioned LRCA and United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) event it drew competitors from across the state along with their supporters and fans, packing the arena both nights.
“It was the biggest turnout for the Minden Rodeo since the late ’80s,” said Corey Colvin, Co-owner and Producer with Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Co.
Participants had the opportunity to compete in multiple featured events including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and Mutton Bustin’ for the kids.
They showcased bullfighters, Funny Man- Jack Ledoux and rodeo royalty.
The local Minden Riding Club presented their new royalty team during intermission on Friday evening. Last year’s royalty team made up of Georgia Smith Ware (Junior Princess), Addyson Bond (Princess), and Laney Lindberg (Queen) passed on their crowns to the 2022 winners; June Ray (Junior Princess), Carlee Jo Greene (Princess) and Morgan Iman (Queen). They featured the 2022 Sweetheart, Desiree Haymon and Sweetheart contestants, Joslyn Ray and Wylie Kate DeHart.
The Louisiana 4 Ranch & Rodeo Co. is already looking forward to and making plans for next year. Colvin said, “We’re trying to make the event one of Mindens most looked forward to, ‘family friendly’ events each year.”
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