Doswell, VA. – A little rain did not prevent more than 300 linemen from 11 states from competing in the 20th annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo this past weekend. The 2-day event, held at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va., finished with local co-ops taking home top prizes.
Hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, Gaff-n-Go is the largest regional rodeo in the country, attracting apprentices and journeyman teams from investor-owned and municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, and contractors.
“It’s an honor for us to host this event,” says VMDAEC President and CEO Brian Mosier. “And it wouldn’t be possible without the support of all our employees, volunteers, and utility friends.” This year's rodeo attracted 73 industry exhibitors showcasing products and services.
The rodeo began midday Friday with more than 30 teams participating in equipment operator events. Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s team of Thomas Bailey, Addison Spicer, and Alister Pollard took home the top prize for the equipment operator portion of the rodeo, sponsored by Altec Industries Inc.
Spectators gathered to witness a drone competition, during which competitors operated drones through a course simulating aerial inspections of utility poles. Brandon White of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative finished first based on accuracy, clarity, and speed. Electric co-ops in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware have more than 100 licensed drone pilots on staff and are provided training via VMDAEC for industry professionals to obtain their UAS Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“This wonderful event continues to set a high bar, especially from the perspective of commitment to safety and excellence,” says Steve Harmon, Gaff-n-Go Rodeo committee chair and Community Electric Cooperative president and CEO. “It is extremely rewarding, and even somewhat emotional, to see the families interact and observe their parents display their skills.”
“It is extremely rewarding, and even somewhat emotional, to see the families interact and observe their parents display their skills.” –Steve Harmon, President and CEO, Community Electric Cooperative
Saturday featured the main events during which linemen climbed utility poles and performed a variety of tasks to simulate real-life scenarios. Apprentices competed individually, while journeymen worked in teams of three. The top winner of this year’s journeyman events and the C.T. Bryant award was the Choptank Electric Cooperative team of Josh McCafferty, Scott Smart, and Todd Anderson. Bryant has been the guiding hand for this rodeo since its founding in 2003. Many refer to him as the “Father of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo.”
The Choptank team also took home the Jimmy Gardner Award for the highest-scoring electric cooperative journeyman team from Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Having served most of his long career at Central Virginia Electric Cooperative — the founders of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo — Gardner was one of Virginia’s first electric cooperative linemen and died as the oldest living lineman in the U.S.
“We were thrilled with the organization of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, motivated by the enthusiasm of the competitors and attendees, and humbled by the opportunity to support such an amazing event,” says Luke Mansfield, account manager for Altec Industries Inc. “We are looking forward to continuing to support this event for years to come and help to make it the best rodeo in the United States.”
The rodeo concluded its 20th-anniversary celebration at the Richmond Marriott. More than 1,000 people attending the awards banquet were treated to a surprise ending of a documentary about the rodeo’s history when BARC Electric Cooperative lineman and country music artist Will Reid performed his recently released version of the Glen Campbell classic “Wichita Lineman.”
“Since I began my journey with country music, the support I've received from the rodeo committee and my fellow competitors has been second to none,” says Reid. “I recorded Wichita Lineman and released it specifically for this event to thank everyone for their support.”
VMDAEC and its member cooperatives thank title sponsor Altec and all the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo sponsors, exhibitors, competitors, and their families for making the 20th rodeo the best yet. To view a complete list of this year’s Gaff-n-Go winners, visit the gaff-n-go.com website. Next year's Gaff-n-Go Rodeo is scheduled for May 16 through 17.
“We are excited about the incredible growth and look forward to seeing everyone next year,” says Mosier.