[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10369]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE UPPER PENINSULA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2017

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Upper 
Peninsula Championship Rodeo upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. 
We Michiganders are so proud of the rodeo's half-century of world-class 
entertainment, turnkey production, and commitment to confronting 
domestic violence.
  This tradition began in 1968 to showcase the rich agricultural 
production and culture of the Upper Peninsula. Originally established 
as the ``Iron River Area Championship Rodeo,'' the name was changed to 
``Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo'' when Michigan state Senator Joe 
Mack introduced a resolution proclaiming Iron River to be the ``Rodeo 
Capital of the Upper Peninsula.'' To anyone who visits the wonderful 
city of Iron River, it is immediately clear that the bustling community 
takes great pride in hosting the only professional rodeo in Michigan.
  Throughout its proud history, the Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo 
has featured some of the First District's greatest musicians, athletes, 
and citizens of the last half-century. The rodeo consistently brings 
folks from across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula together to 
enjoy a weekend of community, culture, and competition. Moreover, each 
year, the economic benefits brought to Iron River cannot be understated 
as thousands of people travel to the region. The Upper Peninsula 
Championship Rodeo is about more than just competition, it's a 
charitable event committed to bringing public awareness to the issue of 
domestic violence. By raising money for local organizations working to 
better our communities, the rodeo has set a positive example of what 
can be achieved when a social event becomes a force for good in the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Upper Peninsula Championship 
Rodeo for 50 years of entertainment and community service. Michiganders 
can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a 
dynamic event and I look forward to enjoying the rodeo's continued 
success and dedication.

                          ____________________