SILVER CITY, N.M. - Folks in this picturesque southeastern New Mexico community have come to expect big things out of their local rodeo.

In fact, businesses and members of the community have continually stepped up to make sure the Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo is a marquee event in Grant County.

"This is our 26th rodeo, and the local people come out and enjoy this event," said Tyler Brown, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2-Saturday, June 4, at Southwest Horseman's Park. "We have a lot of support, and our businesses are what support the rodeo."

That financial support enables the committee to do all things possible to attract the biggest names in the game to Silver City in early June every year. From developing a great purse to having the greatest animals in the game from Pete Carr's Classic Pro Rodeo for them to ride, the contestants have great expectations themselves when they arrive in town.

"For no bigger of a rodeo for what we have, we have a pretty dang good payout," Brown said. "Without the sponsors we have, we wouldn't be able to have that prize money.

"You've got to have quality stock and a quality rodeo to draw the contestants."

That's where the professionals with Carr rodeo come in. The Dallas-based firm has been recognized as one of the best in ProRodeo, a regular nominee for Stock Contractor of the Year. In fact, no other livestock company has had more animals selected to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo the last three years than Carr.

"Pete has a depth of knowledge that we, as a committee, can lean on," Brown said. "We know we'll get quality service and that he's going to take care of our needs."

It comes down to a staff of talented professionals that work diligently to make each performance of the Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo the best.

"Everybody on the Pete Carr crew has always been professional and very business-oriented," he said. "For me, the best feeling is being accommodated. They come in and ask what we want to do as a committee. You feel like you're in a partnership with them."

The overall result is something fans have continued to enjoy for years. From the great competition to the family-friendly entertainment, the event is a true showcase for fans, sponsors and contestants alike.

Part of that fun is in entertainer Robbie Hodges, who has been nominated as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's clown of the year, entertainer of the year and the Coors Man in the Can, which recognizes the best barrelmen in the business.

"Robbie's been at our rodeo for a number of years," Brown said. "He's just a great guy to be around and likes to have fun. He's in clown mode all the time, and he comes by it quite naturally. Because we're a community-involved rodeo, everybody comes out to have fun."

The fun returns the first weekend in June.