Santee Cooper Lineworkers’ Rodeo March 19 at Old Santee Canal Park

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — The public is invited to attend the 19th annual Santee Cooper Lineworkers’ Rodeo, which takes place Saturday, March 19, at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner. The Lineworkers’ Rodeo begins promptly at 8 a.m. with a unique flag-raising ceremony and admission is free.

Line technicians representing Santee Cooper and seven of South Carolina’s electric cooperatives will compete in a course of events designed to test their skills in a fun and safe environment. Bragging rights are on the line, but the rodeo also builds camaraderie among lineworkers and strengthens their proficiency and ability in areas like safety and teamwork. It has also become a popular event for families and friends of lineworkers.

The Lineworkers’ Rodeo has two levels of competition: journeyman and apprentice. Journeyman teams consist of three members: two climbers and one ground person. Apprentices compete individually and must have less than four years of line experience.

Journeyman events include the hurtman rescue, cross-arm relay, and vertical phase transfer. Apprentice events include an obstacle course, the hurtman rescue, and a written test of safety questions (held on Friday, March 18). Visit http://scpsa.us/219ksk2 for more information on all of the scheduled events.

The first Santee Cooper Lineworkers’ Rodeo was held in 1998 to determine who would represent Santee Cooper at the International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo. In 2002, the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina were invited to join in the friendly competition. Lineworkers from Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Fairfield Electric Cooperative, Horry Electric Cooperatives, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, and York Electric Cooperative are scheduled to participate this year.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power producer, the largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.