Traditionally, the second week of October is dedicated to the International Lineman’s Rodeo. Linemen from electric utilities and contracting companies travel to Overland Park, Kan., from all over North America for the event.
Due to the pandemic, the International Lineman’s Rodeo Association (ILRA) was not able to organize a live event this year, but EC&M’s sister magazines, T&D World and Utility Products, partnered with the ILRA on a virtual Lineman Celebration Week.
EC&M subscribers who work for electrical contracting companies with line divisions are welcome to check out the highlights from the week below.
Medal Monday: Watch videos from the category winners and champion in the Top Tools of the Trade video.
Tools & T-Shirt Tuesday: To commemorate Lineman Celebration Week, linemen could request free long-sleeved black T-shirts with a colorful design. We still have a limited quantity still available. To get one, upload your information to our online form.
Weducation Wednesday: Maximo Fuentes, a retired lineman and field supervisor, answered questions from students in the utility line program at Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City. While the questions are from future linemen, electrical apprentices would benefit from Fuentes’ advice as well about succeeding in the trade in this video Q&A.
Team Thursday: At the International Lineman’s Rodeo, journeymen linemen compete in teams of three. Here is a video recap of the journeyman teams from past competitions.
Food & Fun Friday: The organizers are creating a special recipe eBook for linemen and their families. If you have a great recipe to share, you can enter a contest for a $150 Cabela’s gift card by uploading your recipe to an online form.
Super Saturday: For the final day of the virtual celebration week, the team posted videos, including one titled, “How to Win a Lineman's Rodeo" by Fuentes.
For more information about the International Lineman’s Rodeo, which has a division for contractors who specialize in line work, visit the website.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
