Construction Cowboys Wanted | Business

A competition to find the best heavy equipment operator in the Inland Northwest in underway at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  The Western States Rodeo consists of five challenges that tests the operators skills and speed.  Events include stacking tires with a backhoe, navigating a skid steer through an obstacle course while balancing a large pipe on a pallet and picking up soccer balls with an excavator.  Each event is timed and the competitor with the fastest overall time is the winner.  “Cat equipment is known for its reliability and durability, so it is only fitting that we determine the best operators in our territory with challenges that test how they do under pressure,” said Western States President Tom Harris said in a press release.  “We believe our customers and operators are the most talented in their industries and are excited to recognize and reward their efforts during the 2011 Western States Rodeo.” The Spokane event is one of 12 rodeos this summer in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.  The winners from each rodeo will travel to Meridian, Idaho on August 27th for the title of Best Equipment Operator and a 2011 Ford F-250 Truck.  The competition runs from 10am-4pm June 21st and 22nd in Spokane.  Here's the website and list of venues including Hayden, Idaho next week. http://www.westernstatesrodeo.com/