BARC Celebrates First Place at the 20th Annual Gaff-N-Go Lineworkers’ Rodeo

BARC Electric Cooperative competes and wins at lineworkers’ competition near Richmond

Lexington — A little rain did not stop BARC Electric Cooperative from celebrating the top award in the Hurtman Rescue competition following the 20th Gaff-n-Go Lineworkers’ Rodeo hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC). More than 300 linemen from 11 states competed in the two-day event, held at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va, May 17-18.

Saturday featured the main events during which BARC linemen and journeyman climbed utility poles and performed a variety of tasks to simulate real-life scenarios. Apprentices competed individually, while journeymen worked in teams of three. The top winner in the Hurtman Rescue journeyman event was the BARC Electric team of Cody Minter, Skyler Merchant and Will Reid.

“I am so proud of the hard work all our linemen and judges put in at the Rodeo and the determination the journeyman team displayed to win the top honor in the Hurtman Rescue competition for the second year in a row.” said BARC Electric Cooperative CEO Bill Buchanan. “Our crews work hard and safe every day to serve our communities. This Rodeo was a great opportunity to celebrate these skills and the importance of teamwork, safety and dedication.”

The rodeo concluded its 20th anniversary celebration at the Richmond Marriott. More than 1,000 people attending the awards banquet were treated to a surprise ending of a documentary about the rodeo’s history when BARC Electric Cooperative lineman and country music artist Will Reid performed his recently released version of the Glen Campbell classic “Wichita Lineman.”

“Since I began my journey with country music, the support I’ve received from the rodeo committee and my fellow competitors has been second to none,” says Reid. “I recorded Wichita Lineman and released it specifically for this event to thank everyone for their support.”

VMDAEC and its member cooperatives thank title sponsor Altec and all the Gaff-n Go Rodeo sponsors, exhibitors, competitors and their families for making the 20th rodeo the best yet. To view a complete list of this year’s Gaff-n-Go winners, visit gaff-n-go.com. Next year’s Gaff-n-Go Rodeo is scheduled for May 16-17.