'Exciting week' of events planned for Pioneer Days

CLOVIS — Cowboys and camo are taking over Clovis this week. A decade of the 27th Wing of Air Force Special Operations Command will be celebrated during the 2017 Pioneer Days from Monday until Saturday.

"It's an exciting week," said Wilma Fulgham, chairman for the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant and Little Buckaroo Rodeo, both staples of Pioneer Days.

"It hasn't been a year and it's here again," said Fulgham, who has been preparing for months and has a hand in just about all parts of the event.

Fulgham says she does not have a favorite event within Pioneer Days because it is all something she has been a part of for 67 years. Fulgham had her start in 1950 as the first Miss Rodeo New Mexico.

"I enjoy seeing young women develop life skills," she said. Through the pageant process, the ladies learn skills in speaking, horsemanship, and philanthropy which will benefit them their whole lives.

Two new events this year are the Cowboy Trade Days on Friday from noon to 6 p.m., which will showcase western collectible items, and the Rodeo Tailgate at Hillcrest Park following Saturday's parade.

The tailgate event will have food vendors and lots of things to do for families. Activities include food served from a chuck wagon, a mechanical bull, the splash pad, and live entertainment.

"We wanted something new," said Lexi Myers, who organized the tailgate. "It's a nice, family-friendly addition," she said.

Lexi Myers also said during the tailgate fun, Miss Rodeo America and her daughter, Kyla Myers, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, will challenge brave participants in a stick-horse race.

"These young ladies are very accomplished (and now) the younger generation will have a hands-on experience with them to learn from them," said Lexi Myers.

Kyla Myers, 21, who has been involved with Pioneer Days since she was 8, said she is excited for this year's event as the reigning Miss Rodeo New Mexico.

When she was crowned in January, Kyla Myers said her experience was "surreal" and that it did not sink in until her first appearance with the crown.

"It was sort of like walking in a dream," she said. "I'm really excited to be crowning the next Miss Rodeo New Mexico and pass on the heritage."

The young lady who receives the honor this year will be named "Lady in Waiting" as a preparation period until January when she will uphold the responsibilities associated with the crown.

Kyla Myers' favorite event during Pioneer Days, apart from the pageant, is the classic rodeo event of saddle bronco riding.

"The broncs at the rodeo are absolutely gorgeous," she said.

Unfortunately this week has held obstacles for Pioneer Days organizers. According to Fulgham, one of the horses for the rodeo has taken a trip to the vet.

She also said that her co-chair's mother took a fall and broke her hip. Fortunately, she will be well enough to attend some of the latter events of the week.

"(We've had) crises galore," said Fulgham.

She is confident that the events will run smoothly nonetheless and when it is all over, she will be thankful for it all.

"It's part of my life," said Fulgham.