Fallon delivered two unforgettable nights of rodeo action June 17–18 as the Rafter 3C Arena hosted its first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event in nearly six decades. But what truly lit up the community wasn’t just the spotlight on bronc riders or barrel racers — it was the blackout.
The moment that will live on in local legend wasn’t a record-breaking ride or a last-second roping — it was when the arena lights suddenly went out. Instead of chaos, Fallon did what Fallon does best: came together. Fans lit up the stands with cell phone flashlights, PRCA Clown of the Year JJ Harrison kept the crowd entertained with unshakable humor, and the event continued with spirit and spontaneity. Rodeo queens lapped the arena in the dark, fans danced, and the show carried on. So harmonic was the response, it appeared as part of the rodeo program rather than a momentary electrical glitch.
Beyond the spectacle, the event marked the official kickoff of the 3C Community Foundation. Proceeds from the rodeo benefited two local young people, 16-year-old LeAnne Wallace and 24-year-old Nick Delgado, both battling cancer. Volunteers, vendors, and attendees rallied to support their families — a reflection of the event’s deeper purpose.
In total, the Fallon PRCA Rodeo offered more than $91,000 in payouts. Cole Eiguren earned All-Around Cowboy honors. In the rough stock events, Rusty Wright topped Saddle Bronc Riding with an 89-point ride on Buster Moon. Jacek Frost won Bareback Riding with an 84.5-point ride on Sapphire, and Hayes Weight claimed the top spot in Bull Riding with an 85-point score on Uptown. Hayle Gibson-Stillwell took first in Barrel Racing, finishing with a time of 17.18 seconds.
Hometown pride ran high throughout the roster, and the competition was fierce. Fallon’s stop on the circuit fell just before the Reno Rodeo, drawing many of the PRCA’s top-tier competitors. Prior to the event, Fairgrounds Operations Deputy Jesse Segura noted that more than 1,500 contestants were expected to pass through Fallon over 10 days of horse events.
The event also marked the debut of the 3C Community Foundation — established to support residents facing hardship through community-driven events. Fallon rides not just for sport, but for each other.
Top Competitors
In Bareback, second place went to Kashton Ford with 83 points and third to Clayton Hibler with 82.
In Steer Wrestling, Stan Branco posted the fastest time at 4.0 seconds, followed by Kyler Dick at 4.3 and Tyler Waguespack at 4.5.
In Team Roping, Billy Bob Brown and Blaine Vick led with a 4.4-second run. Blake Hirdes and Jake Edwards followed at 4.7, and James Arviso with Logan Moore and Cole Eiguren with Breck Ward tied for third at 4.8.
In Saddle Bronc Riding, Mitch Pollock of Winnemucca tied with Ryder Wright for second, both scoring 85. Fallon’s Jace Angus also ranked in the top 10, tying with Spencer Wright at 80.5.
In Tie-Down Roping, Michael Otero finished first with a time of 7.7 seconds, followed by Ryan Jarrett at 8.0 and Seth Hall at 8.3.
In Barrel Racing, LaTricia Duke and Chloe Gray tied for second with runs of 17.28.
In Bull Riding, Colten Fritzlan followed Weight with an 83.5-point ride, and Colton Byram was close behind with 83.
Fundraising totals for LeAnne and Nick will be announced once finalized by Rafter 3C officials.
With the dust settled and the lights back on, one thing is clear: Fallon’s rodeo roots are stronger than ever — and its heart beats loudest in the dark.
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