With the goal of supporting agriculture and Colorado’s 4-H kids, political, civic and business leaders from Colorado Springs joined the Pike Peak Posse last month to travel south to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.

Organizer Steve Schuck credits the influence of Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers for the turnout.

“Previous mayors had not attended and therefore did not appreciate what an opportunity this was to interact with Denver and Pueblo leaders,” Schuck said.

Schuck and other organizers started the Posse about 20 years ago as the Colorado Springs region’s answer to the Denver Rustlers. The group uses participation fees to bid on animals during the Junior Livestock Sale at the fair each year and offers an opportunity to participants to network in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, Schuck said.

Suthers had participated with the Rustlers while he was attorney general. When he took office in Colorado Springs, he sent out letters to city leaders encouraging participation, resulting in around 90 participants, more than double last year’s turnout.

“This year was a banner year in terms of attendance and participation,” Schuck said. “I expect next year to be even better.”

The Posse joins up with the Rustlers for fair events, including the livestock auction.

Schuck said the Posse members often chide the “turncoats”— those Colorado Springs leaders who chose to join the Rustlers

“We give them a very hard time about wearing those sissy shirts and joining with the Denver group, instead of wearing the manly shirts and joining the Colorado Springs group,” he cracked.

The Posse raised around $20,000 in participation fees, money then used to bid on and purchase 10 animals in the Junior Livestock Auction.

Among the participants in this year’s Posse were school board member Bob Null, state Rep. Kit Roupe and several Colorado Springs City Council members.

“It’s for a great cause,” Schuck said. “It reminds us all of the importance of agriculture and ranching to our state and also reminds that it’s still the largest economic driver in our state.”

— rachel@coloradostatesman.com