A team of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative line workers — journeymen and apprentices — will once again compete against their peers from across Texas in the 22nd annual Texas Lineman’s Rodeo on July 21 at Nolte Island Park near Seguin. The linemen will compete in a variety of timed events that mirror much of the work they do daily: climbing poles, repairing power lines and working on equipment. There is even an event involving a pole-top rescue of a mannequin the size and weight of an injured lineman.
 
Apprentices also take a written test, and there’s a competitive barbecue cook-off.
 
Bluebonnet plans to send one journeyman lineman team, eight apprentices, six judges, one barbecue team and numerous other volunteers. The competition takes place in a Guadalupe River-bottom field studded with non-energized utility poles.
 
The public is welcome to attend. Come cheer on Bluebonnet’s teams in person or keep track of their progress via Bluebonnet’s social media coverage throughout that day. For more information, visit tlra.org.