Bellingham Technical College holds its annual Welding Rodeo from May 18-19.

A mix of professional, amateur and student teams will create welded sculpture from scrap-metal. A panel of three recognized professionals from the field will judge each piece for quality and aesthetics.

The first place team wins $2,500; second place receives $2,000; third wins $1,600; and $400 is given to the winners of the “People’s Choice” award.

The event runs on Friday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All finished sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going toward BTC’s welding program and student scholarships.

The theme of this year’s rodeo is “Into the garden.”

 Specifics about Art and Teams

-Teams have four members, and there are eight teams each day.

-Each team gets its own work station (20’ x 20’)

-Each team has eight hours to build and complete a sculpture. All sculptures must be in a finished state, ready to be installed, with a base and fixture accommodations.

-Size limit: 10’ tall

-All of the scrap metal is donated from local businesses.

Other activities at the rodeo

-Public Welding Booth

-The instrumentation and control department will sell burgers, hot dogs, and drinks. All funds will support student club activities.

-An ethnic bake sale sponsored by BTC’s Learning Center with baked goods from many parts of the world. All funds will support student club activities.

-Ice cream cones provided by the HVAC department. All funds will support student club activities.

-Raffles for pre-made welding items, professional welding gear and art.

-Welding Rodeo T-Shirts from the BTC Bookstore. The BTC Veterans Club will also have hats and T-shirts available.

-Live blacksmith demonstrations and goods by Sunset Forge.