plaza de toros: November 2022

November 24, 2022

Spanish Fork plaza de toros

Thanks to a new job I have been driving by the Spanish Fork Utah rodeo arena quite a bit lately and every time I do I keep saying to myself how much it looks like a Plaza de Toros.

If you didn't know better you could easily confuse it with a bullfight arena. Technically, I would imagine they have had the American rodeo version of bullfighting there before, the ones that use, as the rodeo crowd would say, "Mexican fighting bulls".

I'm going to have to pay more attention now, if a bullfight competition does come up in Spanish Fork I'm going to have to check it out. I'd love to see a toro bravo on Utah soil.

Spanish Fork celebrates new rodeo arena

(haroldextra.com 7-20-12)

Mayor G. Wayne Andersen and the crowd in attendance at the new Spanish Fork arena ribbon cutting shouted, “Let’s rodeo!” The ribbon cutting was just one of the events held to celebrate the opening of the new arena for the 70th Annual Fiesta Days Rodeo.

The original arena was torn down in September following a $3 million donation from an anonymous donor, which was given to Andersen with one stipulation — that the arena be completed for the July 2012 Fiesta Days Rodeo.

And the city, contractors and workers have been working non-stop over the past few weeks to ensure that the arena would be complete and ready for the rodeo.

The new arena now boasts roomier and more comfortable seating for 8,500. There are more box seats and more covered seating. There are three concession stands in the arena in various areas and more restrooms.

“I think the neatest part is the curbside appeal,” said Dale Robinson, Spanish Fork director of parks and recreation. “It looks like a stadium and less like you are walking into bleachers. The ornamental fencing and the greenscape make it look great.”

Another added benefit is that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

“There are no obstructed views,” Robinson said. “In our old arena the lower seats were always blocked by people walking by. The seating is also spacious. We have increased the size of the seats and the leg room.”

There also is a catwalk along the top of the entire arena, allowing someone to get anywhere in the arena by foot.

“When I found out in August of 2011 that we would be building a new arena, we wanted to build something that would make people go ‘wow,’ ” said Steven Money, member of the 2012 rodeo committee. “That is a ‘wow’ arena. Everyone did a tremendous job and I am extremely proud to be a part of it.”

A special bronze statue entitled “Cowboys Pride” sits in front of the arena and was donated by David Argyle, a local artist.

“This is a beautiful arena,” Argyle said. “The arena is as much a work of art as any piece of art and I feel humble to have my piece sitting here.”

Prior to the ribbon cutting a sponsor luncheon and honoring of inductees into the Hall of Fame was held. Delos Huff, Bill Crump, Lewis Feild and Redrock the Bull were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Huff and Crump were instrumental in starting the Diamond Fork Riding Club, which organizes the rodeo each year. Lewis Feild was honored for helping to elevate the Fiesta Days Rodeo to where it is today. Redrock the Bull was honored for helping move the rodeo into the limelight. Each year, new inductees will be added to the Hall of Fame.

“We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of Doug and Carol Ford,” Andersen said. “This is the finest outdoor arena in the country. It is a state-of-the-art facility.”

The Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo presented by Mountain View Hospital will be held today through Tuesday. Tickets are already sold out for tonight’s and Saturday’s shows. Tickets are still available for Monday and Tuesday, but are going quickly. For more information, please visit www.spanishfork.org.

https://www.heraldextra.com/news/2012/jul/20/spanish-fork-celebrates-new-rodeo-arena/

$3M donation gives Spanish Fork rodeo arena a lift

(sltrib.com 8-30-11)

Replacing the grandstand at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds rodeo arena has been on this Utah County city's to-do list for years, with little sign of getting to the top.

"With the downturn in the economy, we weren't able to do [the project], said Mayor G. Wayne Andersen.

But a resident's $3-million donation has catapulted the project to the top of the list, Andersen said. Spanish Fork is in the process of soliciting bids for contractors to remove the aging wood-and-steel stands and replace them with a new structure, which will seat 2,000 more people in the Lance Money Arena.

The benefactor attached two strings to the gift: He had to remain anonymous and the project has to be done in time for next year's Fiesta Days rodeo, an event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

"One of the conditions was he wanted to be sitting in his new box at the rodeo next year," Andersen said. The only clue the mayor would give to the benefactor's identity is that he is a Spanish Fork resident who loves rodeo.

Councilman Richard M. Davis said the benefactor made the contribution shortly after this year's Fiesta Days in late July.

"He's an honorable citizen of Spanish Fork," Davis said.

Andersen said the money will go toward replacing the 6,500-seat grandstand, while Utah County — whose fair takes place at the Spanish Fork facility — will kick in funds for new restrooms and a concession stand. The grandstand was built in 1945, with two additions in the past 25 years. Andersen said the structure is starting to show its age, and audiences find the seating cramped. The new arena will seat 8,500, Andersen said. The city has consulted with livestock show and rodeo professionals on what improvements should be made in a new arena.

"They said, 'You guys have the best arena in the country, and keep it so the crowd is on top of the action,' " Andersen recalled.

Utah County Commissioner Larry Ellertson, whose oversight includes the Utah County Fair, lauded the donation.

"Apparently these people have the resources," he said, "and want to invest them in the community."

Ellertson said the donation will benefit not just Spanish Fork, but all of Utah County. The county and the city have agreed to share costs at the fairgrounds and use the facility as an equestrian center, as well as home to the county fair. Ellertson said the county will have to find a way to pay for the restroom and concession-stand improvements. He said the county may have to borrow money, with the goal of paying it off quickly. The arena houses livestock shows and rodeos, a well as the city's annual Fiesta Days rodeo in July. In 2010, the rodeo became an official stop for the PRCA's Wrangler Million Dollar Silver Tour.

https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=52464332&itype=CMSID

Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days to blend the past and present

(deseret.com 7-15-97)

This year's Fiesta Days celebration offers an alternative to Utah County folks who prefer a community event with historical significance, says Mary-Clare Maslyn, assistant city manager.

The celebration runs July 21-24 and includes a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo and a visit from the president of Iceland.Spanish Fork's Fiesta Days this year will feature Olafur Grimsson, Iceland's president, as guest of honor in the Fiesta Days parade and rodeo on July 24. The parade draws over 100 entries and this year will include replicas of pioneer handcarts in addition to floats and high school bands.

"It's Americana at its best," said Maslyn.

Spanish Fork has close ties to Iceland because many of its residents are descendants of early pioneers from Iceland. Last year some of those descendants returned to Iceland and were reunited with distant relatives.

Grimsson's visit will be the first time a head of state has visited Spanish Fork, according to the Icelandic Association of Utah. He is expected to be present when a wreath is placed at the Icelandic monument in honor of those early pioneers. His itinerary also includes a luncheon with city officials, a tour of the cemetery where Icelandic graves will be marked and a tour of Icelandic homes that are still standing.

Grimsson will speak at a community fireside July 27 at 7 p.m. at the LDS Spanish Fork Stake Center, 1006 E. 200 South. Other speakers will be Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church and Janette Beckham, the church's Young Women's general president. Elder Wirthlin dedicated Iceland to missionary work, and Beckham is of Icelandic descent.

Grimsson is also expected to meet with the LDS Church's First Presidency on Monday and tour both Temple Square and Welfare Square.

Utah's pioneer heritage can be seen in many forms during this year's celebration. New this year is a pie baking contest, which is tied to the city's pioneer heritage. "We still have to find judges for the contest," said Maslyn. "We don't think it will be too hard."

The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers will set up exhibits again this year at Hughes Pioneer Park. They will demonstrate pioneer skills, including quilting, butter making and soap making, said Maslyn. The park at 150 S. Main St. is home to two pioneer cabins with authentic furnishings.

Another popular event is the fine arts competition, which is open to artists in all ages working in all media. Anyone may enter, said Maslyn. It is not confined to Spanish Fork residents. The deadline to enter is July 24, the last day of the event, which like many Fiesta Days events is held at the City Park at Main and Center streets.

Citizen award winners will be presented at 3 p.m. said Melana Urianza, chairman of the fine arts competition. Residents are the judges for that award and must cast their ballots by 2 p.m.

All told, 28 events are planned, including a tennis tournament, 10k race and one mile fun run for children. A highlight, said Maslyn, is the car show, which in the past has drawn up to 10,000 spectators. Another highlight is the children's parade the evening of July 23, which in the past has drawn up to 2,000 children on parade. A children's activities tent at the park will be handled by the Spanish City Youth Council.

Most events are free, noted Maslyn, with the exception of the rodeo, mud races and community theater, where "Peter Pan" will be performed at the Spanish Fork High School auditorium.

Spanish Fork's 55th annual rodeo will be held each night at 8 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Events include saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, calf roping and bull riding. It will also include a children's event - mutton bustin'. Children ages 5 through 7 who weigh 60 pounds or less will ride sheep for eight seconds.

https://www.deseret.com/1997/7/15/19323526/spanish-fork-s-fiesta-days-to-blend-the-past-and-present

November 17, 2022

Fallece en Arizona el torero norteamericano Miguel Stumer ‘Miguelito’

Formado en el Perú, el que fuera novillero llegó a actuar en España, Francia, México y otros países sudamericanos

(por mundotoro.com 11-17-22)

El novillero y torero norteamericano Miguel Stumer «Miguelito» falleció el pasado domingo 13 de noviembre en la ciudad de Mesa, en Arizona (EEUU).

Hijo del arqueólogo Louis Stume, Miguelito dio sus primeros pasos en el mundo del toro e inició su andadura profesional en tierras peruanas, aficionándose a los toros mientras su padre realizaba estudios en las huacas preincas sitas dentro de las dehesas peruanas de Salamanca y Chuquizongo.

Según informa perutaurino, hizo su presentación en la plaza de toros de Acho (Lima) el 3 de Julio de 1960, actuando como aficionado en la corrida que torearon «El Nene», Paco Céspedes y Luis Sánchez «Sanchito». El Libro «Historia de la Tauromaquia en el Perú» cita dos actuaciones de importante referencia en las que actuó Miguel Stumer el año 1961 y que fueron coincidentes con la presentación en Acho de las ganaderías de Salamanca y la de El Pinar. Además, el 12 de noviembre de ese mismo año, en el llamado Festival de la Navidad actuó al lado de los matadores españoles Gregorio Sánchez, Jaime Ostos, Antonio Borerro «Chamaco», José Maria Clavel y el portugués José Julio.

Hizo periplo en España actuando en diversas plazas de nuestro país, además de pisar algunos ruedos de Francia, México y otros países sudamericanos para posteriormente disfrutar el retiro en Arizona (Estados Unidos), desde donde ha participado en tertulias, tientas y festejos «a la portuguesa» de los que se organizan en los ranchos de California.

El destino de dos figuras del toreo

Love the jacket

"Si no hubiera mujeres en la plaza no merecería la pena vestirse de torero" (Luis Miguel Dominguín).

November 6, 2022

Toro de D. José Escolar

Después de una desilusionante temporada, con plazas de primera reducidas a cenizas en cuanto a rigor y seriedad, con Madrid convertida en un basurero donde ha bajado la seriedad del toro, la casta y la emoción, solo nos queda el refugio del toro de la calle.

La salvación de la Tauromaquia pasa por las comisiones de aficionados, que son los que miran por y para el toro.

En la imagen, Cortinero-47 de D. José Escolar, exhibido en Lliria.

Decían que no había toros para plazas de primera.

Foto Sergio Lopez