Rodeo board receives donation for AgriPark operations

The Sheridan WYO Rodeo board has received a $6,000 donation from Dan and Kathy Riggs in support of the board’s partnership agreement to reopen and operate the Sheridan College AgriPark for public use.

The Riggs family are long-time supporters of Sheridan College sports and arena activities, and the gift aligns with their commitment to youth sports and western culture throughout the community.

According to a news release from the rodeo board, the donation will be used to support operational expenses as well as WYO Rodeo Wrangler and WYO Rodeo Queen expenses leading up to the WYO Rodeo.

The partnership of the rodeo board and Sheridan College to reopen the AgriPark was announced earlier this month. The college closed the AgriPark on July 2 following budget cuts in the wake of a statewide fiscal crisis for Wyoming’s community colleges.

Dan Riggs said when the WYO Rodeo board stepped up to reopen the arena, he and his wife immediately knew they wante to support their efforts. He said a lot of volunteer hours will be spent by the WYO board and many others for this effort.

The 45,000-square-foot AgriPark was opened in January 2015 and was designed for use of the Sheridan College Rodeo Team, which continues to practice in the arena. When not in use by the college rodeo team, the arena has been made available in the past, and will be made available again, for other events including cutting competitions, small groups and individual family events.

The WYO agreement with Sheridan College currently runs through June 30 of this year.

Individuals and organizations wanting to rent the arena can email sheridanagripark@gmail.com for information. A WYO Rodeo board volunteer will respond within 48 hours.