Chute out: Clearwater Rodeo completes successful weekend series

Two hundred-plus cowboys and cowgirls converged on Clearwater, June 23 to 25, entertaining large crowds during the three nights of rough-and-tumble competition.

More than 50 took home prize money and bragging rights from the 56th annual Clearwater Rodeo, which drew large crowds each evening, according to Clearwater Chamber of Commerce president Curt Thiele.

"The crowds are absolutely amazing. We built a church for roughly 3,500 people and who would think some nights we need more spacing."

Thiele called the competition level "some of the best."

"Especially in the rough stock, with four qualifie...