Suzanne Gilbert and Fellow Volunteers Prepare to Host 31st Annual IFYR

By: Julia Dondero

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma lies the quaint town of Shawnee. The tight-knit community looks to welcome nearly 1000 youth rodeo families from across the nation for a week packed full of electrifying competition and priceless memories this July– and they have for the past thirty-one years. To the historic town of Shawnee, hosting the International Finals Youth Rodeo is an opportunity to welcome contestants and rodeo fans into their community- and it wouldn’t be possible without the strong network of volunteers. 

Volunteers, ranging from every age and experience level are the heartbeat of the IFYR and breathe life into its distinguished character. Their unwavering dedication to the future of rodeo is just one of the many things that make the IFYR experience so unique and special to many youth athletes. With inductions into the IFYR Hall of Fame and over three decades of experience, one volunteer, in particular, is the pillar of the organization’s lasting success. 

Suzanne Gilbert from Tecumseh, Okla. has been at the center of the IFYR since its inception in 1991. With experience on several committees, including leading the Stalls and Youth Director as Co-Chair, Gilbert now chairs the Special Events Committee. With the future generations of rodeo as her inspiration, Gilbert explained, “The kids are what make it so special. Getting to see generations of families return to this event creates such a special family atmosphere.” 

Gilbert’s unwavering dedication to her community and the next generation of rodeo is reflected through her background as a mother and special needs education teacher. Expanding on the sense of family, Gilbert expressed her gratitude for the IFYR family, “It truly is all a family here. The people here keep it going and keep this rodeo so great.” 

With her husband, Randy serving as the Chairman of the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority that governs the IFYR, and her daughters and granddaughters serving as volunteers alongside her, the IFYR is truly a family affair. Reflecting on the many fond memories created at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, “We do this as a family because we want to help the IFYR be the best youth rodeo it can be and we all love being together at this rodeo,” explained Gilbert. 

Looking forward to the 31st Annual IFYR, Gilbert, along with the army of volunteers, staff members and contractors look forward to another year of first-class youth rodeo. Gilbert explained, “The family atmosphere, combined with top-notch rodeo production makes this rodeo unbeatable and a favorite for so many. We look forward to another great year of rodeo and connecting with our community”.