RoDEO Parade

The Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Board and Committee is excited to share the 2024 Parade Grand Marshal - Janice D. Witcombe. For over 50 years, Janice has been a fixture at the rodeo - only missing a handful of Cherokee rodeo performances, and at 80 years old, her passion for the rodeo remains as strong as ever.

Spend a few moments conversing with Janice, and you'll quickly realize the profound impact the Cherokee Rodeo has had on our Grand Marshal. Equally evident is the mark her family has left on this community event as well.

You see, the Cherokee Rodeo holds a special place in Janice’s heart. The eldest child and only daughter of Vere and Darlene Corrington can recall riding her horse with her siblings Mike, Bobby Dean “Curly,” and Doug across their and neighbors’ pastures to make it to the rodeo grounds when it was first held at the Barnes Ranch north of town.

They spent many hours on the trails with the Barnes family. The Corringtons were part of the group helping drive the horses from the Rafter B Bar ranch to the fairgrounds on horseback after the rodeo was moved into town. She fondly recalls long conversations held with Marjorie Barnes after each rodeo - deciding which performance had the rankest stock and bragging rights.

She watched her youngest brother, Doug, ride his rocking horse and proudly proclaim he was Bob Barnes. When Doug began his rodeo career, he made a point to enter in the Cherokee Rodeo every chance he could. He has left his name in the record books as a three-time Great Lakes Circuit Finals Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. His son, Tyler Corrington, another decorated saddle bronc rider, earned the title of Resistol Rookie of the year in 2006 and qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo three times. Doug’s son Dillon is also active in the western way of life as the owner of Rafter D Mules where he is famous for buying and selling mules all over the nation. He has also been known to lend a hand as a pickup man.

Her oldest brother, Mike, no doubt influenced by his cowboy roots, has bred, raised, trained, shown, and judged quarter horses. Mike’s son, Bart, trains and shows reining horses in Florida. Her brother Curly bought, sold and trained horses. He always had a kind smile and good cowboy wisdom to pass on while he helped many youth learn to ride.

Another Corrington mark was made with the creation of the Cherokee County Cavaliers 4H Club. Founding leaders Vere and Darlene Corrington, Joe and Arbie Dessel, along with Ralph and Martha Patterson helped get the horse-focused 4H group up and running. For years, the 4Hers rode in Cherokee’s grand entry. They also performed their drill on horseback for two years during the rodeo performance. They were the only non-PRCA act to do this.

Through the years, Janice has made countless memories and friends because of the Cherokee PRCA Rodeo. Every year after the rodeo was over, she would share the thrills of the performance with her husband. She recalls, “Ron didn’t attend many rodeos, but didn’t mind if the rest of us went!” Even though Ron wasn’t usually in the stands, he too, shared a connection with the rodeo.

Ronald K. Witcombe spent four and a half years serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. One Christmas, Ron was hitchhiking home from California. He made it as far as a truck stop in LeMars, Iowa. There was a blizzard roaring outside, and he thought he was stuck. Then by chance, a Barnes Rodeo truck pulled in. The driver, Bob Barnes, asked where he was headed, and if he needed a ride. Ron gladly jumped in, and by the time they reached Ron’s home on 8th and Main Street, Cherokee, they were pretty good friends, Ron never forgot Bob and his “Merry Christmas, Semper Fi!’”

This year's rodeo may be a little bittersweet for Janice. It will be the first time she won't be able to share the sights and excitement with her beloved husband, Ron, who passed away last August. However, Janice won't be alone in her cherished memories. She'll be surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Her daughter, Lori Solsaa, and granddaughter, Josi, will be joining her in the bleachers, and it is a sure bet they will spend some time reminiscing.

Our rodeo holds countless memories for Janice. She loves watching the stock, contestants, and all the people enjoy something she has held dear for decades. The Cherokee Rodeo is honored to call Janice D. Witcombe a friend, and we hope everyone will join us May 30-June 1 to congratulate her as the 2024 Cherokee Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal.