Frazee is Sisters Rodeo Grand Marshal

Last updated 5/5/2023 at 5pm

Photo by Jerry Baldock

Gary Frazee has been named 2023 Sisters Rodeo Grand Marshal.

Fans of Sisters Rodeo have for years seen Gary Frazee doing what he does best - working hard to make the event come off smoothly.

Sisters Rodeo is recognizing his contributions, naming Frazee Grand Marshal for the 2023 Sisters Rodeo Parade.

Gary, his wife DeAnn, and their family have been attending the rodeo since 1969, and he became a member in 2005. Gary and DeAnn will celebrate their 41st anniversary on June 9 - at this year's Sister Rodeo.

Frazee returned home in 1969 from serving in the U.S. Army. He founded many businesses in Sisters that still operate today - the Sno Cap Drive In in 1973, and Sisters Car Wash in 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.

Frazee's connections to the Sisters Rodeo goes back to the 1970s, when the rodeo grounds were located in downtown Sisters. He competed with other Sisters businessmen in the Businessmen's Cow Ride event. He would become close with past Sisters Rodeo President Glenn Miller and directors, going to the Gallery Restaurant in downtown. As he got closer to retirement, he became more involved with the Rodeo, supporting past Director John Rogers with traffic control and parking.

He is proud of the many improvements the Rodeo Association brings to the grounds and the event each year. 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."

He said that his feelings about being Grand Marshal are 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.

He has been a strong supporter of the Sisters Rodeo Association since 1969 and member for the last 18 years, and he explained why: "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."

Sisters Rodeo kicks off with XTreme Bulls on Wednesday, June 7. The Three-day event runs June 9-11. For tickets and information visit

https://sistersrodeo.com.