A longtime part of the Folsom Pro Rodeo and the Chamber of Commerce, Kris Keables returns to the operations of the 62nd annual event in a new role. The longtime Folsom resident is the 2023 Folsom Pro Rodeo Grand Marshal and has shared the following special message to welcome rodeo fans:
The Folsom Pro Rodeo holds a very special place in my heart as I have attended probably every single rodeo since 1980.
As a member of the wonderful and hardworking rodeo staff, we focus on creating the best experience for our fans. My part of the backstage chores surrounds my role as “ticket queen” making sure our fans can easily purchase tickets and that the process of arriving through the gate is efficient and quick.
Backstage at the rodeo is home for a community of folks who spend weeks with each other’s phone numbers on fast dial and a text thread that is several pages long. We share donuts, tacos, and golf carts. We are armed with zip ties and duct tape. For this period of time, I have an extra-large boisterous family that I truly love (even if they steal my golf cart).
There are so many community organizations who help at the rodeo and earn funds for their own projects and charities. The rodeo simply would not happen without the support of these folks and the army of volunteers who man the gates, help fans find their seats, serve beer and beverages and so much more.
But I also remember the past fondly and miss these folks from late Dan Russell Sr (in the 1980s who thought I needed to experience the business end of a cattle prod), arena boss Jim “Digger” Williams (who could really sing a rodeo tune), Smitty (an expert at using bailing wire as a solution to everything broken) and most recently the great Cotton Rosser (who always smiled at our arena full of fans.)
I have chased sheep who are group sneaky escape artists, bribed annoyed cowboys with donuts to get them to appear for early morning TV shots and even took a trick horse up an elevator in Arden Fair Mall.
I love celebrating this patriotic holiday with our fans.
This year, I will be welcoming everyone to the rodeo during the grand entry. On horseback (if they have a stepladder handy). Please waive!
See you at the rodeo!
Kris Keables, 2023 Grand Marshal
