WRCA Finals, and GRS Demonstration
WRCA Finals- and GRS booth
I had the chance to visit with many of you while in attendance of the WRCA Finals over in Amarillo Texas back in November 07. My family the wife Colleen and both kids, ran a booth for JWP and WBS over in one building, while I worked as a demonstrator for the GRS Company of Emporia, Kansas over in another building.
I was assisted in this engraving endeavor by the affable and able Aaron McMicheal who works in sales with GRS. I have never sat in front of folks and demonstrated engraving, not that it was any sort of a problem, but you do get a different feeling when sitting and engraving like I was. I got that “Panda in a Zoo” feeling.
It was a great Show all in all, the ranch cowboys were as you would suppose, the star attraction. We had the opportunity to take in one night of the Rodeo events, and there were sure enough some very talented cowboys present.
Apart from the Rodeo itself, there were a multitude of cowboy gear vendors and gear makers. They came out of the Gramma grass covered plains, and out of the pinion pine hills of the south to show their handmade wares. There was a treasure chest full of silver mounted bits and spurs, and a couple of wagon loads of handmade saddles, with enough braided rawhide around to tie the whole load down if you should need it. If anyone couldn’t find something they liked in Amarillo at the WRCA Finals, then they needed glasses or a thicker wallet.
As for myself, I had a great time. I engraved 2 pair of sterling silver bit cheeks while at the Show, along with two different bracelets. So for me it was entirely productive. I not only got some work done, but I also had time to meet and greet many of you. We had the chance to let folks sit down and try their hand at engraving, and in turn some may also be interested in attending one of my engraving classes coming up this year in Emporia. My classes are to be held in April 21st-25th, and September 15th-19th. If you happen to be interested then by all means call GRS at 800-835-3519.
But maybe the neatest of all, was meeting those fine polite children that ranch families seem to still be able to raise. I was very impressed by the interest and intellect of the youngsters I met over in Amarillo. My hat is off to all of you who have taken time to instill the values and aspirations of America in yet one more generation of American kids.
Good Night and God Bless
