Anticipation Builds Over Unveiling of “Our Champions” Sculpture in Bronze

The Payson City Council were photographed in April with one of Our Champions, Kaycee Feild, after they gave him a plaque recognizing his accomplishments as World Champion. Pictured are: (front row, left-right) Mayor Rick Moore, Councilwoman JoLyn Ford, Kaycee Feild and wife, Stefanie Feild; (back row, left-right) Councilman Kim Hancock, Councilman Scott Phillips, Councilman Mike Hardy, and Councilman Larry Skinner.  

Anticipation is building for the May 14 unveiling of “Our Champions,” a bronze sculpture by local artist, Jeff Wolf. The piece memorializes several PRCA champions with deep Payson ties and will be showcased at the Peteetneet Museum, on a pedestal created by Payson artist, Ross Huff.

Speaking at the May 1 Payson Council meeting, City Manager Dave Tuckett gave an update on the unveiling event, a fund-raiser with dinner and an auction, in addition to the public's viewing of the prized bronze piece. “What we are doing is recognizing the four Rodeo World Champions from the Payson area,” Mr. Tuckett said, “Lewis Feild, Kaycee Feild, Wes Silcox, and Troy Lerwill.” The event will be held at the Peteetneet Amphitheater, starting at 6 PM.

“We're looking for sponsors,” Mr. Tuckett added. Proceeds from the event will be used to cover the sculpture's cost, along with needs by the Peteetneet Museum, which will house the sculpture, and the American300 charity, dear to local World Champion Rodeo Professionals.

American300 is a cause especially close to Kaycee Feild. “They raise funds for the fallen and wounded soldiers,” Tuckett said. “He's going to Afghanistan a week after this event and will be there a couple of weeks to entertain the troops.”

The auction, led by auctioneer Brad Silcox, will include valuable items up for bid, according to Tuckett, including sought after tickets to the National Finals Rodeo. Business contributions for this portion of the event continue to be sought by Payson City, he said.

Mr. Tuckett encouraged the public to attend the event. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased at the door that evening, he said, but are available at a discounted rate if purchased beforehand online at www.paysonutah.org.

“It's a good cause,” he said. “Included in that cost is a current picture that we took of all four champions.” Those who contribute $200 or more will be recognized on a plaque located near the sculpture at the Peteetneet.

Further details on the event can be found in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.