Cooperative Living May 2024 - 6

POWERFUL CAREERS
Heroes on Display
Annual lineworker rodeo celebrates
20th anniversary
by Jim Robertson, Staff Writer
W
hat started out as a small competition for bragging rights
has turned into the largest regional event of its kind in
the U.S. Since 2003, co-op and other utility lineworkers
have come together each spring to compete in the Gaff -n-Go
Lineworker Rodeo. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in showcasing
the skills and hard work of utility lineworkers, the Virginia, Maryland
& Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is excited to welcome
long-time supporter Altec as its new title sponsor for the event.
Th is is not your ordinary rodeo. Journeyman teams and individual
apprentices from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities,
municipal utilities, contractors and the U.S. Army will demonstrate
their skills and knowledge while competing for professional
recognition. Last year, more than 200 lineworkers from seven states
competed in a variety of traditional tasks of the trade. Th at number
is expected to be close to 300 this year.
" Altec is thrilled to be entrusted with the title sponsorship for
the Gaff -n-Go Rodeo, " says Luke Mansfi eld, Altec account manager
for Virginia. " It is remarkable to see how this event has grown over
the past 20 years under the leadership of the VMDAEC. We look
forward to supporting this premier event for years to come, and
ensuring it continues to be one of the fi nest lineworker rodeos in
the country. "
Join us at this free family-friendly event to watch these highly
skilled professionals demonstrate real-life scenarios they face on
the job, including a simulated rescue of an injured worker at the
top of a 40-foot pole. Friday aſt ernoon will feature a hot-line
demonstration by Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative followed
by live music from the Drew Pace Band.
" Working 40 feet above the ground on a course of utility poles,
these professionals will be judged on whether a variety of tasks are
performed according to safe and effi cient work practices, as well as
the time it takes them to complete each, " says Brian Mosier, president
and CEO of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of
Electric Cooperatives.
Top performers from the Gaff -n-Go Rodeo will move on to
compete at the 40th annual International Lineman's Rodeo in
October in Kansas City, Mo.
Parking and admission are free with local food trucks on site.
Visit gaff -n-go.com for more details, a complete schedule of events
and to download the free Gaff -n-Go app. Come support your
electric cooperative lineworkers, visit exhibitor displays, enjoy the
interactive kids area and learn more about powerful careers.
*
For more information, visit gaff -n-go.com.
4 * Cooperative Living * May 2024
co-opliving.com
MAY 17-18, 2024
MEADOW EVENT PARK
DOSWELL, VA
Come support your electric
cooperative lineworkers!
http://www.n-go.com http://www.n-go.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2024

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