Utility poles set up at Cajun Field for upcoming annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo

Utility poles are set up at Cajun Field in preparation for the annual American Public Power Association’s Lineworkers Rodeo. Hundreds of utility linemen from around the country will display their talents, connect, learn, and enjoy their nationwide community.

The event is 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 5 and 6 at Cajun Field. Festivities includes an opening ceremony, competitions, an expo and children events.

"Once the rodeo committee selected Lafayette to host, we began working right away," said Jeff Stewart, Lafayette Utilities System Director. "For the last year to 15 months we've been preparing the site grounds. We want to make sure this event runs smoothly. We have even engaged with a local university to allow use for their parking lots, and Cajundome will host the banquet."

Both new and experienced lineworkers will have the chance to participate in a variety of competitions and activities that highlight special skills, including "Hurtman rescue," in which three team members work to rescue an injured man. This event emphasizes the importance of safety when a crew member is hurt.

The Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is the foremost showcase of public power lineworkers' skills and knowledge, the release said. Journeyman and apprentice lineworkers compete for professional recognition, attend training, and practice essential skills in a safe environment.

"This event gives us a chance to promote and highlight a job that not everyone is fit for," Stewart said. "It's really important for these men to learn, and compete against each other to try to be the best and the safest, and connect with one another."

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide, the release said. It lobbies the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. It also advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training and operations.

For more information, visit www.lus.org/2024-appa-lineworkers-rodeo/.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Public Power Association’s Lineworkers Rodeo in Lafayette at Cajun Field