LAKE COUNTY – Rodeo... 79 years young this year in Lake County.
That’s right, the 79th annual Lake County Rodeo takes place at the fairgrounds in Lakeport on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. For the first time the rodeo is featuring free parking, assisted by the Early Lake Lions who have long been supporters of this rodeo.
If’ you have never seen a rodeo, mark your calendars now and attend this year's rodeo. It’s a tradition dating from the days of cowboys working on ranches beginning in the mid-1800s.
The Lake County Rodeo is an all-professional California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association rodeo, with cowboys and cowgirls participating during two nights of all-out excitement.
Events include steer wrestling, bull riding, bronc busting, team roping and barrel racing, to name a few. Lake County residents will recognize some local participants as the performances take place.
The rodeo's generous Platinum Sponsor for 2008 is once again Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, according to Rodeo Association President John Fulton.
Without sponsorship from the community, it would not be possible to continue this Lake County Tradition, said Fulton.
Local businesses sponsor the various events which helps to offset the prize money that is paid to the participants.
For the youngsters, the Lake County Rodeo provides two events.
Each night youngsters, ages 8 or younger, can sign up for the mutton bustin’ event. The children will be weighed the evening of their ride and must not exceed 50 pounds. Applications are available at several locations around Lake County and this event is sponsored again this year by Chuck and Rose McCarley of CJS Ranch Supply in Middletown.
The second special event for kids is the Cutest Cowpoke Contest, open to girls and boys from age 4 to 8 years old (on the contest date). This event is sponsored by Theresa Harborth of South Lake Landscape and Lower Lake Feed. Applications are also available in a variety of locations throughout the county.
On the evening of Friday, July 11, there will be the grand entry during which all the competitors ride, along with the wonderful Clear Lake Junior Horsemen.
The crowning of Miss Lake County Rodeo Queen and Princess 2008 will take place at that time. Young women from around the county have been vying for these titles and will represent the Lake County Rodeo for the next year. Sponsor of this competition, for the second year is Tom Powers of Lake County Electric Supply.
On Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:30 p.m., the All-Horse Parade will travel from the fairgrounds on Martin Street to Main Street, traveling north to Clear Lake Avenue and return on Main to the Fairgrounds. All equestrians are encouraged to enter; there will be a special raffle for participants conducted by parade chair and organizer, Lonne Sloan of Lower Lake.
Returning this year and riding in the All Horse Parade will be the Diablo Ladies Drill Team who will perform both evenings of the rodeo. This team donates their time to travel from the Central Valley to participate in the rodeo. With great costumes and intricate riding routines, they always dazzle the crowd.
Another interesting event at the Rodeo is Cow Chip Bingo. Friday night the prize is $250 and Saturday the amount is $500. Come find out how this game works; you won’t believe your eyes.
A rodeo isn’t a real rodeo without a rodeo dance and they've got the best Rodeo Western Band to keep people dancing 'til the cows come home. Lou Derr and Bootleg will play on Saturday evening in the Theater Building beginning at 9 p.m. Their performance is sponsored by Eagle Distributing, Budweiser from Ukiah.
For more information on this exciting weekend event, contact the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce at 707-263-5092 or visit www.lakecountyrodeo.com.
Applications for mutton bustin’, Cutest Cowpoke and pre-sale tickets will be available at the chamber, Red and White market in Clearlake Oaks, Lakeview Market in Lucerne, North Shore Sentry in Nice, CJS Ranch Supply in Middletown and others to be announced soon.
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