EXPLORE BIG SKY – The American flag towered over the bulls in the holding pens as the sun shone through a break in the clouds illuminating the events arena while cowboys stood hand over heart, hat by their side and chaps fluttering in the wind listening to Lone Peak High School valedictorian Anna Masonic sing the national anthem. A picturesque start to the 14th annual Big Sky PBR.
The evening began with an auctioneer babbling numbers to the crowd as spectators bid on teams of riders for the Calcutta auction.
The competing riders were honored and delighted to be back in Big Sky. Many of the riders make it a point to return to Big Sky year after year, naming it as one of their favorite events to compete at—officially, they’ve voted it PBR Event of the Year for 11 years straight.
“This is the best event of the year. It’s one of a kind and there’s no atmosphere like this. I mean, just look at the beautiful country behind us,” said cowboy Wyatt Rogers, gesturing to Lone Peak towering behind the events arena.
Cassidy Crockett, girlfriend of cowboy Dawson Branton, chimed in with excitement. “Calcutta was awesome, we were sitting behind people and convinced them to buy in to my boyfriend’s team,” she said. “It’s super fun when we get to interact with the fans here. It gives us such a more personal experience.”
