Doug Prows, Jr.

Doug Prows, Jr. is another one of the guys who has been around the arena for several decades working silently in the background. Quite frankly, the rodeo couldn’t run without people like Doug quietly going about their business helping out when it was needed. It takes an “army” of volunteers. That being said, Doug did a whole lot more than just “help out”…though he is too humble to admit it.

When I talked to Doug about his history with the Cokeville Rodeo, he said it began back when he was just a boy. He always helped out with the stripping chutes and timed event chutes as he loved being part of the action. When the CSSC was formed, Doug was another one of the volunteers who helped put the new arena together — chutes, hanging gates, installing the catwalk and stairs, etc.

Doug has been with the Cokeville Fire Department for quite some time as well, and thus you could often find him spraying down the arena and warm-up pens. I’m sure we all remember how the Fire Department used to run the concessions at the rodeo, so once again you would find Doug silently helping out, grilling and flipping burgers for the community to eat.

On top of all this, Doug and BranDee sponsored event buckles for several years as well as assisting with the trailer and saddle raffles the CSSC did back in the early days. BranDee even saddled up Cindy Thompson’s horse one year and carried the Cokeville Stock & Saddle Club flag in the parade.

When asked what his favorite part of the Cokeville Rodeo and corresponding Pioneer Day weekend was, Doug adamantly replied that he “just loved everybody getting together.” — And isn’t that the same thing for so many of us.

Like Doug, We Remember getting together with family, friends, and old classmates every year for the Cokeville Rodeo.

Doug, thank you for sharing your story with us. Thank you for so many years of service.