TORRINGTON – The Goshen County Fairgrounds will play host to some of the top steer ropers in the country when the 2018 National Circuit Finals hits town next week.

The weekend kicks off with the Ropers Rendezvous, set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Cottonwood Country Club in Torrington. The evening features a silent auction and Calcutta, along with a buffet supper and introduction of the ropers.

The action heats up Saturday and Sunday, April 28 – 29, with two performances scheduled for noon each day at the Fair Grounds in Torrington. Saturday will have four full go-rounds from noon until about 5 p.m., then action will resume at noon Sunday, with two full go-rounds followed by the semifinals and the finals.

“It’s the real cowboy event, that was what they did on the ranches for doctoring cattle,” said Blair Newman, co-chairman of the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping Committee. “Bulldogging wasn’t something they did, those were events that were made up. 

“But, saddle bronc and steer roping are the classic events that really represent ranch life,” he said. “We’re going to have 35 of the top steer ropers in the nation here, and that’s quite an event.” 

The event is free and open to the public.

People will “see the best in the world, that’s for sure,” said reigning NCFSR champion Chris Glover. “It’s gotten so good now and pays so much money that Trevor Brazile’s qualified a few times and this is Tuf Cooper’s first one.

“They aren’t going to California (on April 28-29), they are going to Torrington to rope steers,” Glover said. “That’s a pretty good deal when you got the best in the event going to it.”