Erin Stadelman is usually the one bringing up the end of the Labor Day rodeo parade, making sure errant swag gets picked up off the road and a lost cellphone gets back to its owner.

But this year, she and her husband, Steve, will be riding at the front, as the grand marshals of this year’s event.

The couple has been involved with the rodeo since they moved to Ouray County 17 years ago, and have served in various roles on the rodeo board, helping to build the arena, stockpens and roping gallery. Erin’s currently the Ouray County Rodeo Association board president, and locals might recognize her from her job as the county fairgrounds and events manager. Steve works at the Double RL Ranch.

While they’re usually the ones behind the scenes, doing work to make the event happen, they’ll be riding horses Whiskey and Gomer in this year’s parade.

The parade is the kickoff for the rodeo, and participants will line up at 9 a.m. Monday at Ridgway Elementary School. From there, the parade heads east on Sherman Street and ends at the southeast edge of Hartwell Park. Anyone who wants to watch should find a good spot along Sherman Street before 10 a.m., when the parade is scheduled to start.

As is tradition, the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department’s fire trucks are expected to finish the parade.

Gates open for the Labor Day rodeo at 11 a.m. at the Ouray County Fairgrounds. Those who are driving to the event are asked to enter on the east side off Highway 550. Entry costs $10, but those age 5 and younger and military personnel with identification are admitted for free.

The rodeo, which starts at noon, is a Colorado Pro Rodeo Association sanctioned event, which means participants will be working hard to get their points to qualify for the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association Finals, held in Montrose in September. The Ouray County rodeo is one of the last of the season, which means it has a reputation for attracting participants hungry to qualify in events like barrel racing, bull riding and team roping.

This year’s rodeo also includes local events like mutton busting, stick horse races and the San Juan Sparkles and Spurs drill team. The rodeo royalty will also be crowned at the beginning of the three-hour event.

Those interested in mutton busting, an event where children ride sheep and try to hang on, should know there are only 20 slots for participants this year. Participation is limited to children up to age 8, weighing less than 50 pounds. Registration for mutton busting starts at 12:30 p.m. at the shed under the announcer’s booth.

For tickets and more information, visit ouraycountyrodeo.com.