Published: July 18, 2008 06:31 am      

RECC to host lineman rodeo

Community News

South Kentucky RECC will play host to the 2008 Kentucky Lineman Rodeo, to be held in Somerset on July 24 and 25.

The Kentucky Lineman Rodeo is a competitive event that draws linemen, other electric utility workers, and their families, from across the state of Kentucky. It gives utility linemen the chance to match their skills to others from across the state with the focus on safety, enhanced job skills, job knowledge, developing inter-company relationships and improved teamwork and attitude.

The rodeo will kick-off on July 24 with a special exhibitor’s event at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. The exhibition, which begins at 2 p.m. EDT, is open to the general public, free of charge.

Approximately 40 vendors will be on hand, as well as rides for the children and other things to interest people of all ages.

Ruby Patterson, vice president of member services and public relations for South Kentucky RECC, says the exhibition and rodeo is a great experience for the whole family to attend.

“This will be a very ‘family-friendly’ event, and I would encourage everyone to make plans to attend. This will be a very educational, as well as enjoyable, trip for the children, and a great opportunity to attend an excellent local event. I would also highly encourage the public to make plans to attend the actual rodeo on Friday, July 25. It truly gives insight as to what a lineman does, and if anyone is interested in pursuing the field of line work, or attending the new lineman training school being constructed in eastern Pulaski County, this would show them what is involved.”

South Kentucky RECC lineman Barney Singleton has participated for many years in various lineman rodeos, including the state rodeo. In 2007, he won the overall individual journeyman lineman award and overall senior award at the Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo.

Singleton says there are several advantages to participating in the rodeos.

“Rodeos give us (linemen) an opportunity to match our skills with skills of other linemen from around the state or surrounding states, and it gives us an opportunity to observe different ways of doing various jobs. In turn, it also gives others a chance to see how we work. It also allows us to see new technology and equipment that is being developed or used in the field.”

More than 80 linemen are expected to compete, and this will be the first time that South Kentucky RECC has hosted the event.

The rodeo will be held at the co-op’s annual meeting site on West Ky. 80, 3/4 mile past the Fishing Creek Bridge in Pulaski County.

For more information about the 2008 Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo and Exhibit, contact South Kentucky RECC at 800-264-5112.