RODEO NEWS

WPRA Announces 2026 Outstanding Committee Woman of the Year presented by Montana Silversmiths

By Ann Bleiker

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – The backbone of any rodeo is no doubt the rodeo committee and their countless volunteers that donate their time and skills to put on a good show for the fans. While the contestants and animals are the stars, they would never shine if it were not for the work of a large supporting cast of volunteers that come together, working for a common goal of making the event a success.

“Oh, my goodness…wow,” stated a surprised Spear. “I don’t do it alone as it is definitely a team effort. We have worked very hard to take our little rodeo to the next level and it is something we are very proud of.”

The rodeo was founded 82 years ago by the Bonifay Kiwanis Club. Today, Spear carries on her father’s legacy as a club member, celebrating her own 25th year with the event. She started like many as a member and rose through the ranks becoming the first chairwoman in 2016 after previously serving as the President. Under her leadership, the rodeo has grown tremendously going from $4,000 added per event in 2020 to now having $10,000 per event including women’s breakaway.

“After the COVID year, we realized how important the rodeo was to our community, so we have made an effort the last few years to continue to improve and bring new ideas into the fold,” noted Spear. “I didn’t realize that someone took notice of what we are doing to nominate me for an award like this. I am very honored.”

Another unique piece about this rodeo that many might not know is like the Pendleton (OR) Round-Up the rodeo in Bonifay takes place on a football field.

“Eighty-three years ago, the land was donated to the city by a charter member of the Bonifay Kiwanis Club with the understanding that it would be used for the rodeo, football and athletic events,” stated Spear.

Spear recently worked with others to negotiate a new sponsor contract with Pepsi, and part of the deal includes a new scoreboard for the football team along with basketball and softball scoreboards. In addition to scholarships, the Bonifay Kiwanis Club has worked diligently through the years to steadily provide funding for major improvements to the Bonifay Memorial Field for the betterment of the community and the rodeo.

This is quite a list of accomplishments for a group that is made up of all volunteers with no paid staff.

“I am very fortunate to have an employer (First Federal Bank) that has a culture of giving back to the community in which we are invested,” noted Spear. “This support enables me the time and resources to help put the rodeo together each year. I couldn’t do what I do without that kind of support.”

A 12-foot western boot statue is at the entrance to the arena and through Spear’s vision there are now 22 six-foot western boot statues adorning sponsoring businesses in Bonifay that brings awareness to the community and tourist alike about the western/agricultural lifestyle in the panhandle of Florida.

Sandy Spear will be officially recognized during the WPRA Star Celebration with the Top 15 barrel racers on Thursday, December 3 at the South Point Hotel and Casino and will receive a custom-made Montana Silversmiths buckle.

Past recipients:
2022 – Cindy Williams, Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, Vernal, Utah
2023 – Tammie Hiatt, Jim Shoulder Living Legends Rodeo, Henryetta, Oklahoma
2024 – Rachel Ann Holzschuh, Mid-Western Rodeo in Manawa, Wisconsin.
2025 – Debbie Mills, Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, Castle Rock, CO

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