A publication of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives

Gaff-N-Go Rodeo
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Gaffs and Grit

There was no bull at the 2026 Gaff-n-Go Rodeo

June 2026

An elevated, wide-angle shot of a large outdoor lineman rodeo event on a grassy field next to a large pavilion building. The field is filled with dozens of tall wooden utility poles erected for climbing competitions, surrounded by crowds of people, vendor tents, and utility trucks. The foreground features parked pickup trucks, trailers, and white event tents, while a rural landscape of fields and forests stretches into the background under an overcast sky.

by Jeff Caldwell, Staff Writer

The 22nd annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, highlighted the skills of electric lineworkers who keep power flowing across the region. Lineworkers from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipal systems and private contractors competed in events that reflect their daily work, including pole climbing, equipment operation and drone challenges.

“Watching these professionals demonstrate the skill it takes to safely and reliably keep electricity flowing to the 2 million members we serve is impressive,” says Brian Mosier, president and CEO of the association. “This competition highlights the training required to become a lineworker and recognizes those who work around the clock in all conditions.”

THE EVENT’S NAME COMES FROM THE GAFF, A METAL SPIKE ATTACHED TO BOOTS TO CLIMB WOODEN UTILITY POLES.

For more information, results and pictures from the event, visit gaff-n-go.com or facebook.com/gaffngo.

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