Sisters Rodeo Grand Marshal 2023
Gary Frazee
Sisters Rodeo is proud to announce long time member Gary Frazee as the 2023 Grand Marshal of the Sisters Rodeo.
Gary, his wife DeAnn and their family have been attending the rodeo since 1969 and he became a member in 2005.
Gary was born and raised in Bend. The furthest he has ever moved away from Central Oregon is when he moved to Sisters to start his business and family with former wife Cindy. Together they have two beautiful daughters (Jill and Deri) and three grandchildren (Chase, Libby and Chloe). Gary and DeAnn will celebrate their 41st anniversary June 9 at this year’s Sisters Rodeo.
When Gary returned home in 1969 from serving in the US Army he began many businesses in Sisters that we know today. Starting with the Sno Cap Drive In (1973) as well as Sisters Car Wash (1987). He retired from the City of Sisters as the Public Works Director in 2007 and also served as a Reserve Police Officer for City of Sisters and Deschutes County Sheriff department for several years.
Gary’s past connections to Sisters rodeo go way back to the 70’s, when the rodeo grounds was located in downtown Sisters. In those days, there was a Businessmen’s Cow Ride event where Gary and other Sisters businessmen would participate. In later years, he would have lunch 3 to 4 times a week at The Gallery restaurant and meet up with past Sisters rodeo President Glenn Miller and many other past Directors. As he got closer to retirement is when Gary became more involved with the rodeo and began supporting past Director John Rogers with traffic control and parking.
When asked what Gary is most proud of with some of the changes that have occurred with the association he stated he is “glad to see tickets sales are online and going very successfully especially with last year’s sold out performances. The “Golf Course” for the contestant parking and how beautiful it is every year for the week of rodeo, where it use to be just a dirt pasture.”
Gary stated his feelings about being Grand Marshall is something he is not able to put into words. He is humbled, shocked, and happy and it hits him right in his heart. He is honored to be given this position as it means a lot to him and he is emotionally grateful for this recognition.
When asked why he has been a strong supporter of the Sisters Rodeo Association since 1969 and member for the last 18 years he stated “No matter where I go, everyone knows Sisters and when I am wearing my Sisters rodeo jacket, everyone knows our rodeo and its popularity. I am proud to belong to this association.”