The 2019 S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo, hosted by Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, takes place at the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park at the intersection of Interstate 95 and S.C. Hwy 327 in Florence. For more information, visit ecsc.org/rodeo. Schedule of events FRIDAY, MARCH 15 5:30 p.m. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon rides SATURDAY, MARCH 16 8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Opening ceremony and flag raising Kids zone opens Competitions begin Electrical safety demonstration SC |agenda Top competition IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHAT IT’S like to be a cooperative lineworker, here’s your chance. The S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo will take place March 15–16 at the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park in Florence. Electric cooperative employees from across the state will demonstrate their trade skills during this friendly competition that also includes fun activities for the family. Competitive events for both new and veteran lineworkers will include the chal- lenging “Hurtman Rescue” where climb- ers must scale a 40-foot pole to rescue a 185-pound mannequin simulating an in- jured worker. Like all rodeo events, this drill requires competitors to demonstrate the physical abilities, mental sharpness and safe working practices they use on a daily basis, says Nick Adams, senior safety and training instructor with The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. “If people come out to the rodeo, they’re going to get to see linemen doing work similar to their daily job,” he says. “Competition helps keep their skills fifine-tuned.” A kids zone, complete with an inflflat- reason to get into it,” he says. “You make a difference in the community when you go out there and get somebody’s power back on. When you see that expression on their face—they’re so thankful—that’s the ultimate reward.” 6 SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MARCH 2019 | SCLIVING.COOP York Electric Cooperative lineman Lucas Elston (above) demonstrates the Hurtman Rescue event, in which competitors must safely lower a 185-pound mannequin to the ground. Joe Wright (left), a lineman with Lynches River Electric Cooperative, gives his best effort in the challenging crossarm lift competition. able “bounce house,” and elec- trical safety demonstrations will offer families a chance to learn what linemen do in a safe and fun envi- ronment. Spectators can also take teth- ered rides in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon. The rodeo is a great way for young men and women to see what it takes to be a lineworker, Adams says. Working as part of a line crew for a local elec- tric cooperative is a stable and rewarding career option for those with the physi- cal ability to do the work and a desire to serve their neighbors. “People who are interested in team- work, camaraderie and brotherhood, that’s who cooperatives want,” Adams says. “People who are hard-working, ded- icated to their jobs and able to work well with other people.” “The money’s good but that’s not the GET THERE MIC SMITH MIC SMITH