Latest news with #8SecondsRodeo
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
St. Johns Bizarre seeks alternative options for lighting that could ‘diminish' event
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The future of a long-running North Portland event could look different as organizers work to negotiate ongoing changes brought on by a local group and the city. Since 2007, the St. Johns Bizarre has brought crowds of people to the historic neighborhood to enjoy live music, support small businesses and foster community. But organizers say the St. Johns Boosters Business Association and the Portland Bureau of Transportation have decided to install three new light poles in the center of the downtown plaza, which is the hub of the gathering. 7 Portland weekend events, from Father's Day Cruise to 8 Seconds Rodeo Shamus Lynsky, who has volunteered for the event since its inception, told KOIN 6 that organizers were informed of the upcoming installations in January when plans were already solidified. 'We all want the same thing,' Lynsky said. 'We're all there to shine a light on what a wonderful neighborhood we have and to… celebrate our community. So it's really unfortunate that this miscommunication happened and we just couldn't have been brought in earlier.' The co-organizer highlighted the event's growing success over the past several years. The 2025 'bizarre' brought in a lineup of regional acts like Black Belt Eagle Scout, Shabazz Palaces and Federale. While Lynsky noted that PBOT and boosters have suggested alternative options for the stage, he said each suggestion would 'diminish' the event in some way. Portland leaders address community ahead of weekend demonstrations For example, moving the stage to Philadelphia Street could impact access to an emergency lane in the area. Organizers also remarked that relocating from the current space contradicts what the event sets out to achieve: activating the downtown plaza. Tanya Hartnett, St. Johns Booster's project manager for the lighting installation, told KOIN 6 the current placement is due to limitations from pre-existing utility lines and tree codes. 'We have to face the fact that the placement is caused by limitations beyond anyone's control and that we are putting the lights up for the good of the community,' Tanya Hartnett added in an email. 'We support the Bizarre and are thankful they put on this amazing event each year. We do not want this project to be an 'us' against 'them' scenario, and we do not want anyone to be the enemy on this.' Lynsky said he supports the effort to boost lighting in order to prevent illegal activity and improve public safety, but he wants to find a solution that maintains an open plaza for the North Portland neighborhood's largest event. St. Johns Bizarre earlier this month, asking community members to urge city leaders to reconsider the lighting installation. But local boosters have fundraised and planned for the current placement for several years, PBOT revealed. Conservationists try to stop PGE appeal tied to Forest Park transmission line project 'We delayed installation of the improvements to accommodate the St Johns Bizarre event earlier this year,' the bureau noted. 'The Portland Bureau of Transportation is installing new lighting in the plaza in the locations necessary for optimal safety and to make way for utilities and other infrastructure. We look forward to working with the event organizers so they can understand their options.' According to Lynsky, organizers are slated to meet with city leaders and other stakeholders later in June in hopes of finding an alternative solution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black Cowboys Take Center Stage: 8 Seconds Rodeo Expands for Its Biggest Year Yet!
PORTLAND, Ore., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8 Seconds Rodeo returns for its third and most electrifying year, expanding to two major cities and celebrating today's Black cowboys on a national stage. On June 15th in Portland, OR (Veterans Memorial Coliseum), and October 11th in Philadelphia, PA (Liacouras Center), this groundbreaking rodeo will bring together 8,000 fans per event for a night of high-stakes competition, Black culture, and world-class entertainment. This year's rodeo will feature an intense lineup of events, including Bull Riding, Bareback Bronco Riding, Barrel Racing, and Mutton Bustin', with top Black rodeo athletes from around the country competing for $60,000 in prize money. Hosted by comedienne X Mayo, the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo delivers more than just action—it's a powerful, physically and spiritually moving experience that showcases the grit, talent, and heritage of Black rodeo athletes. "This rodeo is about celebrating Black excellence in the Western world and providing a platform for future generations of Black rodeo athletes to thrive," says Ivan McClellan, founder of the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo. "With this expansion, we're bringing the culture and excitement to new audiences, proving that Black cowboys belong on the national stage." Highlights of the 2025 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo: Two National Events – June 15th in Portland and October 11th in Philadelphia, each with 8,000 fans in attendance. Elite Rodeo Competition – Featuring Bull Riding, Bareback Bronco Riding, Barrel Racing, and Mutton Bustin' with a $60,000 purse. Host X Mayo – The celebrated actress and comedian will keep the energy high and the crowd rolling in the aisles. Athlete Development – 8 Seconds Rodeo is committed to the future of Black rodeo, hosting bull riding and bareback riding clinics in Oregon to help young rodeo athletes improve their skills and advance their careers with no-cost professional instruction. Athletes to Watch: The Bluebird Riders (Jaelah & Jiyah) – At just 11 and 13 years old, this dynamic barrel racing duo has taken the rodeo world by storm, winning against much older riders—including the 2024 8 Seconds Rodeo in Portland. The sisters, who both aspire to be veterinarians, represent the next generation of Black cowgirls breaking barriers. Tank Adams – The ultimate rodeo wild card. This Oklahoma-born cowboy brings a fearless, hard-hitting approach to bull riding, carrying the weight of his family's legacy with every ride. Tank drives trucks, fights MMA, and is a crowd favorite of the 8 Seconds Rodeo. Au'vion Horton (A.V.) – Hailing from Hope, Arkansas, A.V. is a rising bull riding star with ambitions to make it to the National Finals Rodeo. Raised by his mom, grandmother, and aunt, he found his path in rodeo as a way to stay focused and out of trouble, now dedicating himself to perfecting his craft. 2025 8 Seconds Rodeo Partnerships: Crown Royal's "That Deserves a Crown" Award – Returning as the official whisky of 8 Seconds Rodeo, Crown Royal will present a $10,000 award to an organization supporting and promoting Black cowboys at each event. Rooted in its ethos of generosity, Crown Royal is committed to uplifting and celebrating those who keep the rich heritage and traditions of the Black rodeo circuit thriving. Tecovas – A Legacy of Western Authenticity - Austin-based Tecovas, a long-time supporter of the 8 Seconds Rodeo, returns in 2025 to continue its commitment to the culture. "Tecovas has been a fan of McClellan's work for years, and we've been proud to feature his photography in our campaigns," said Robyn Wedgeworth. Senior Director of PR + Partnerships at Tecovas. "Sponsoring the 8 Seconds Rodeo was a natural fit for us because this event is expanding the western audience in a meaningful way. Rodeo is built on deep traditions, and this event is bringing new energy and attention to the sport. We're excited to support this moment and help introduce more people to the spirit and heritage of the western lifestyle." Tickets & More Information: Follow @eightsecs on Instagram and sign up for early access to tickets for Portland (June 15th) and Philadelphia (October 11th) at About 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo:Founded by photojournalist Ivan McClellan, the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo celebrates Black Cowboy culture and supports cowboys and cowgirls nationwide. More than just a rodeo, it's a cultural movement that fuses Western heritage with Black excellence, music, fashion, and art—delivering a high-energy event that continues to grow in size and impact. About Crown RoyalCrown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by the King and Queen of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth and elegant flavor was an exceptionally generous gift fit for royalty. Its gift-worthy presentation reflects its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly. About Diageo North America:Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. About Tecovas:Tecovas is an Austin, Texas-based retail brand focused on designing the world's best western footwear, apparel, and accessories and selling them directly to customers for a fair price. Founded in 2015, the brand has grown rapidly over the last few years in its mission to build the most beloved heritage western brand in the world. Visit or any one of Tecovas' 42 U.S. retail stores to see more. For press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or interviews, please contact Sara Rosen, Miss Rosen Public Relations, MissRosenPublicRelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Eight Seconds Events LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
