One Arm Bandit to perform at Logan County Fair PRCA rodeo

Has won PRCA Specialty Act of the Year award 12 times

By Sara Waite

Oklahoma native John Payne grew up in the ranching way of life.

At age 20, he was electrocuted by power lines and his right arm had to be amputated. But his way of life didn't change — doctors wanted to amputate his leg as well, but he told them he wouldn't want to live because he couldn't ride a horse with one leg. "After five weeks in the Tulsa (Okla.) burn center... John checked himself out and went home to start breaking a horse he had bought while in the hospital," says his website, theonearmbandit.net.

That was 40 years ago. In 1987, he started in rodeo in Ponca City, Okla., selling wild bulls to the stock contractor. After making negative comments about an act. the contractor challenged him to do better. His first show was a year later in that same place.

In his first year, he was nominated for the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year. Since then, he was won the award 12 times, most recently in 2011.

Animals in the show consist of Longhorn-Watusi steers, mustangs, mules and buffalo. Blackmouth cur dogs are a key part of the training process, the website says.

He says on his website that he believes "anything can be accomplished through sheer nerve, determination and the drive to excel in one's field."

Payne's act has expanded since his children, Lynn and Amanda, joined the gang.

The One Arm Bandit will be the specialty act at the PRCA Rodeo at the Logan County Fair. Tickets for the rodeo are available at lcfair.org.

Contact Journal-Advocate managing editor Sara Waite at 970-526-9310 or swaite@journal-advocate.com

NORCO: Day of the American Cowboy celebration set

Get in touch with your Wild West self and celebrate Horsetown USA’s 5th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy on July 27 and 28.

Presented by Polly’s Pies, Norco is hosting a family event which helps preserve America’s cowboy and Western heritage. The weekend event is at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center to honor the heritage of the West and the cowboy values that helped build our country. Gates open at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies will be at noon.

Admission is $5 per person, 10 and under free. Parking is $2 per vehicle. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

The festivities on Saturday will begin with a grand entry celebration featuring a performance from a Pony Express rider where the sheriff saves the day from ruthless bandits.

A presentation of flags from all 50 states by riders on horseback will follow. The day’s activities will continue with cow-chip tossing and the Mane Attraction equestrian drill team.

Participation events are ranch sorting and cowboy obstacle course; each has an additional $4.98 per person per run entrance fee.

Contestant arrival/signups: 8 a.m.; start: 10 a.m. Team Ribbon and Sled Races will take place for additional afternoon competition.

Heel-O-Matic signups begin at noon with roping starting at 1 p.m. Entries are limited. Entry fees apply.

Children’s Dummy Roping begins at 10 a.m. and is free to participate (three divisions, 5 and under, 6-9 and 10-13).

Saturday’s event continues with the Pacific Coast Junior Bull Riders Rodeo, including the Mutton Bustin and Bull Riding.

Also, enjoy a Cowboy BBQ Dinner ($10 per person) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and live concert in Moreno Arena featuring The Silverados from 7 to 9.

Overnight camping and horse stalls are available Saturday night only. Camping applications are available at www.ci.norco.ca.us.

Sunday starts with cowboy breakfast ($4 per person) at 7 a.m. followed by cowboy church with Pastor Fred Griffin at 8. The day’s activities include sorting and extreme cowboy races. A trail ride departs from Ingalls Park at 10. Sunday is free admission and parking.

For more information on this event, call 951-377-7040 or visit www.ci.norco.ca.us.