300 linemen to compete in Gaff-n-Go Rodeo for 20th anniversary in Hanover County

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Three hundred linemen from 11 states will compete in the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo for its 20th anniversary, with festivities on Friday and Saturday in Hanover County.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of honoring our lineworkers with this competition, which gives their family members an opportunity to see the work they perform — with an emphasis on safety — during the worst weather,” said Brian Mosier, president and CEO of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, host of the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo.

Before events begin on Friday, there will be an opening ceremony and national anthem performance by Will Reid, a lineman for BARC Electric Cooperative in Bath County.

Competitors from more than 30 teams will participate in equipment operator events Friday afternoon, according to organizers.

Before the main events on Saturday, a special tribute will be made to military members for Armed Forces Day. Weather permitting, personnel from the National Security Innovations Network will hold the U.S. flag from a hovering drone during The Star-Spangled Banner at 7:45 a.m.

The first 1,000 attendees will receive a small American flag to hold up during the ceremony.

Saturday’s main event will feature linemen climbing utility poles and carrying out a variety of tasks to simulate real-time situations. Apprentices compete individually, while journeymen work in teams of three.

There will also be activities for children of all ages, including face painting and a kids area sponsored by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Many competitors will continue on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo Kansas in mid-October.

This year’s free event takes place May 17 through May 18 at Meadow Event Park in the Doswell area of Hanover County.

Visit the rodeo’s website for more information.

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