City of Industry - - They're quite a pair on the pro rodeo circuit - announcer Don Jesser and his wife Anita, whose state-of-the-art sound system delivers his colorful descriptions of each event along with entertaining music.
The Jessers return for a 14th year to the Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo, Oct. 11th and 12th, at Industry Hills Expo Center in the City of Industry.
Jesser understands rodeo, drawing on his own experiences as a saddle bronc and bareback rider and in team roping. His rodeo know-how helps him anticipate the action as he describes each thrilling moment.
He still rides, this time on his paint horse, Crusher, as he announces in the arena. Crusher goes with him to all his rodeo assignments.
"Not everybody can do it," said Anita Jesser. "Not only do you have to announce the action, the sponsors and other details, you need to know how to get out of the way. But it makes Don more personable with the crowd, being in the arena."
The Twin Falls, Idaho, resident has announced at Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo live radio broadcast from 1989 to 1998, National Bull Riders Classic from 1990-1997, the World Cup International Rodeo from 2001 to 2003, and the PRCA National Finals Bucking Horse and Bull Sale in Las Vegas for 2002 and 2003.
"He's an entertainer and loves being in front of a crowd," Anita said of her husband. "If he can get a crowd into it and educate the fans about the events, that's what he enjoys most."
The couple spends about 11 months a year working the rodeo circuit. "We get a chance to work together and enjoy the sport we love, be involved with it and maintain a relationship with rodeo."
The Industry Hills Pro Rodeo is a favorite for the couple.
"I like the facility (the Industry Hills Expo Center) and, most of all, the committee and all the good work they do for kids," Anita said.
She particularly likes how local schoolchildren are invited to watch "slack day," held Friday, Oct. 10, the day before the rodeo. Because of the number of events and entries, not all of the qualifying action can fit into the scheduled performances during the weekend. So "slack day" has been turned into "Community Kids Day," for children to see cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money in exciting rodeo action.
Tickets are on sale for the 23rd Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo at the Industry Hills Expo Center (formerly the Industry Hills Equestrian Center), 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12. For more information, call (626) 961-6892. |
