The Reno Rodeo has never been bigger.
Director of Communications Steve Schroeder said more than 150,000 fans came out to the grounds and more than 80,000 packed the arena during the ten day event.
We asked him why the spike in attendance.
"In the past, we've had wildfires, there's been smoke in the arena, so you can't see the other side of the arena," said Schroeder. "We've had horrible weather, cold, rain, thunderstorms and wind. This was a year that none of that happened."
Now all that all the fun has come to an end, the cleanup begins.
Schroeder said it takes about 355 days to plan the ten day event and three weeks to setup for it. However, it takes only two days to clean everything up.
He said the rodeo went off without a hitch. All $555,000 were handed out to winners and no cowboy or girls were hurt this year.
He said what's awesome about having such a great turnout is they can give back. The rodeo is involved in blood drives, denim drives to clothe foster children and literacy campaigns with the school district throughout the year.
He said your support makes it all possible.
"Gives us the opportunity, through the proceeds, to give them to the Rodeo Foundation and we give the money back to northern Nevada community. It's a great cycle of giving and that's what we're proud to be a part of."
Schroeder said they won't take a break for very long. They will start planning next year's rodeo on July 1.
Written by Chris Ciarlo
