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Try on some climbing spikes at fifth annual Lineman Rodeo

Chelan County PUD
News Release
6/1/2009

Watch linemen climb 60-foot poles and then try it yourself at the fifth annual Andrew York Lineman Rodeo on June 20.

The competition attracts power linemen and apprentices from around the Northwest who test their skills in team and individual events. Safety is as important as speed in determining the winners.

In addition to bragging rights, the memorial event has given more than $11,000 in scholarships for high school seniors active in preventing drug and alcohol abuse. The rodeo honors Chelan County PUD journeyman lineman Andrew York who died in 2000 from injuries suffered on the job when he was hit by a drunken driver.

Spectators are an important part of the event, which offers free, family fun. Children can talk to linemen, handle the tools of the trade and have pictures taken. Adults can strap on spikes and give pole climbing a try (with an assist from a safety harness).

A small forest of wood poles sprouts in scenic Walla Walla Point Park on the Columbia River for the rodeo. People come to root for the competitors and learn about electrical safety and the hazards of impaired driving at booths hosted by agencies including the Washington State Patrol and safety equipment vendors.

Robin Abel, mother of Maria Federici, will attend this year. Federici was severely injured while driving in 2004 when a piece of furniture flew off a trailer in front of her and crashed through her windshield. Abel is dedicated to teaching drivers about the need to secure loads safely, working through the Maria Federici Foundation.

Lineman Rodeo opening ceremonies are at 8 a.m. and competition starts at 8:30 a.m. in Wenatchee’s Walla Walla Point Park. The rodeo is sponsored by Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan PUDs and IBEW Local 77.

***

Registration information and a schedule of events including the new Rubber Ducky Dash and the Steps for Lineman Memorial Walk are at http://www.chelanpud.org/Lineman-Rodeo.html. The event will be streamed live on the Web site.

Click here for pictures of the 2008 Lineman Rodeo. Click here  to watch a video. 

For more information contact: Daryn Klinginsmith, (509)-670-1169 or  Sarah DeLozier, (509) 661-4325.