Title: Karen Wade Earns ‘Justin Standard of the West Award’ For Volunteer Efforts at Industry Hills Pro Rodeo
City of Industry – The 24th Annual Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo will put on quite a presentation when it comes to bull riding and tie-down roping, but it takes months of preparation and dedicated volunteers to run the operation without a glitch. Karen Wade has been awarded the 2009 “Justin Standard of the West Award,” given to a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance, enthusiasm and support.
Rodeo festivities take place Oct. 10 and 11 at the Industry Hills Expo Center. Karen Wade of Rossmoor, has been actively involved with the rodeo for 10 years and is the Director of the local Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum in the City of Industry.
Wade helps to coordinate activities involved with Community Kids Day, a special day when 4,000-5,000 3rd through 5th grade students from local schools attend “slack time” as guests of the Rodeo Committee. Along with the Homestead Museum staff, she worked to develop a Rodeo Activity Booklet which the committee distributes to all participating students prior to their field trip to the Rodeo. This 16-page booklet acquaints students with rodeo history and events through rodeo-related math, art, poetry, and vocabulary projects, many of which are linked to specific California state content standards. She has also coordinated poster contests specifically designed for the students.
In addition to her involvement with Community Kids Day, Wade works with other members of the Museum staff as well as representatives of the La Puente Valley Historical Society to offer exhibits and free activities at the Ride into Rodeo History booth for those attending the weekend Rodeo.
When asked what her favorite part of being involved with the rodeo is, she answered, “It’s three-fold. The Gabriel Foundation does so much for the youth of this area. Like Faith Lundgren says, ‘We do it for the kids.’ Secondly, I want to share the history of rodeo and California rancho life with the public. The third reason is that I get to work with a wonderful group of people.”
Rodeo sponsors and volunteers are always welcome. Call the Rodeo office (626) 961-6892 or send an e-mail to industryhillsprorodeo1@verizon.net for more information.
Tickets are on sale for the 24th Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo at the Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. For more information, call (626) 961-6892 or visit, www.industryhillsprorodeo.org.