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40 yeArs & ridinG stronG ALL ABOUT THE ImPRA THE INTERMOUNTAIN Professional Rodeo Association (ImPRA) is based out of Southeast Idaho. It was orga- nized in 1970 and has grown to be one of the finest rodeo asso- ciations in the West. It is known by many as a pacesetter for other associations. The ImPRA classifies itself as a semi-pro organization, which involves both amateur and pro- fessional cowboys and cowgirls from all walks of life. The rodeos cover a vast area in Southeast and Southwest Idaho, most areas of Utah and western Wyoming. ImPRA members come from Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Arizona. Many of the rodeos are held in conjunction with events like county and state fairs, Independence Day and Pioneer Day. Many of the rodeos on the ImPRA circuit have received national recognition and are among the top 100 events in North America. And then there’s the big event, the Championship Finals, held right here at the Eastern Idaho State Fair during the Labor Day holiday. imprA history Blanche Angell, then the publicity director of what would become the ImPRA, wrote an article in 1975 entitled “The Birth of the EIRA.” “On July 28, 1970, in a trailerhouse in Roberts, Idaho, Jim Kluesner and Gary Miller sat down with an idea, three different rule books, and a strong desire to better the sport of rodeo in Eastern Idaho.” Blanche went on to say that the two strategies needed lots of help and support. They got in touch with Curly and herself, Blanche Angell, the Anderson boys, Dayton Miller, Curly Morton, Gaylen Brower, RD Kuttler, and many others. The ball was then rolling. After many dreams, ideas and much enthusiasm, the first card was issued to the late bronc rider, Adrian Sutton. Today, four decades after the first meeting, Gary and Jim’s dreams are still alive and growing. Source material: IMPRA 34 East idaho statE fair GuidE | 2010 tuesdAy, septemBer 7