July 12, 2010

GRESHAM, Ore. — Speed, skill, safety and strength — that’s what it takes to rack up the points as teams of professional electric utility linemen from near and far battle for top ranking at the Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo in such challenging events as the hurt-man rescue and the pole climb with a raw egg.

The 17^th annual Lineman Rodeo is open to the public on Saturday, July 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the PGE Linneman Station, 3450 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham. Admission is free. The opening ceremony for this year’s event takes place at 8 a.m. While the competition kicks off around 9 a.m., you’ll find most of the action taking place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

While competitions for linemen and apprentices take top billing at this event, the rodeo offers lots of fun for the whole family. Highlights this year include a women’s pole climb (open to non-linemen); face painting; coin scramble for children; door prizes; and a visit from a Life Flight helicopter. There will also be a recruiting booth at this year’s event where attendees can learn more about the exciting line career opportunities at PGE.

 There’s plenty of free parking, and cool refreshments and food items are available for purchase.

More than 80 linemen from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and other western states are participating. IBEW Local 125, IBEW Local 659, PGE, Pacific Power and Clark Public Utilities sponsor the event, considered one of the most challenging lineman rodeos in the country.

Contestants are judged by the following criteria: safety; work practice; neatness and ability; equipment handling; and timely competition of the event (used only as a tie-breaker). Results are announced after the conclusion of the last events, at approximately 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.PNWLinemanRodeo.com.