A 365-day job: Ray Hanson’s commitment to the Newport Rodeo

NEWPORT — Newport, Washington is a small but scenic community perched along the Washington–Idaho border, and a hallmark of that community is the Newport Rodeo. For Ray Hanson, the President of the Newport Rodeo Association, the rodeo is a 365-day job. “Because soon as our rodeo is over, we’re planning the next year’s already,” Hanson said. “If you’re not on top of it, you’re behind it...to be able to put out the best product for your community that’s coming to watch your events.” Hanson has been with the Newport Rodeo for 21 years and has spent the last 14 as the president, he said. Like many rodeo presidents, he wears a lot of hats to make the events happen.