If you haven’t gotten your fix of rodeo action yet this year, it’s high time to check out the Rockyford Rodeo.
The steadfast event, which has been around for 62 years is back this weekend, July 26-28 promising a full slate of rodeo events, as well as chuck and chariots, mini wild pony races, mutton busting and mini bronc riding.
President of the Rockyford Lions, Jace Mullen said variety helps keep the event fresh.
“We will bring in things spur of the moment, we try to do something different and have a great group of volunteers that help us,” he said.
The show offers something for everyone. While there is great action at the rodeo and in the infield, there is also a family dance on Friday night, pancakes and parade on Saturday morning, a barbecue beef supper and cabaret featuring TC & Company.
There will be bouncy houses for the kids as well as a catch and keep.
One event they are bringing back is the relay race.
‘They have a few teams set up and we are looking at a few more,” said Mullen.
The relay race features teams of two who will race the track, with a baton handoff.
“We did it a few years ago, but we didn’t have many teams, so it looks like there is more interest,” he said.
At the heart of the event is a good old fashioned rodeo.
“It’s an up-close and personal rodeo,” he said.
Slack begins on Friday at 11 a.m. and the chucks and chariots run at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, breakfast is served starting at 7 a.m., with the parade at 10 a.m., and the rodeo at 12:30. The chucks and chariots are back on the track at 6:30 and then dance the night away at the cabaret.
On Sunday morning, breakfast will be served in benefit of the Rockyford Library and the rodeo goes at 10 a.m. the chucks are on track at 4:30 p.m.
