Pioneer Bluffs Prairie Talk May 30 To Feature Roberts Rodeo Family
“He had wild stories of hitchhiking and jumping on freight trains to get from rodeo to rodeo,” says Shannan Hauser,
“There were emergency airplane landings, being a cowboy stuntman in Hollywood, riding bulls and wild horses,” continues Gerald Roberts’ granddaughter.
“I grew up relishing stories of Granddad’s life and career,” reflects Hauser about the world champion.
Friday afternoon, May 31, at 2:30, Hauser will share stories and photos of the Roberts family. It’ll be a featured Prairie Talk at Matfield Green’s Pioneer Bluffs, advertiser on AlphaMedia Topeka Radio.
“The Flint Hills Rodeo began in the family pasture of E.C. and Clara Roberts,” said Lynn Smith of Pioneer Bluffs.
“Beginning in the 1930s, the Roberts family hosted pasture rodeos where their children rode every animal in sight,” Smith added.
Three of the Roberts children went on to win rodeo world championships. Gerald Roberts was twice all-around world champion rodeo cowboy in 1942 and 1948 and the 1950 North American Calgary Champion.
During his career, Gerald was a Hollywood stuntman in Western films, including “Cowboy” with Jack Lemmon and Glenn Ford.
“Just announced, a Prairie Talk silent auction of rodeo memorabilia will support the Roberts Family Memorial Historical Project,” Smith said. “Come early to check out all the keepsakes you can take home.”
The 82nd annual Flint Hills Rodeo is Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, May 30 through June 1, at Strong City with the grand entry at 8 o’clock.
