Giddy-up for the Great Lakes Rodeo

It’s time to giddy-up and head out to the Great Lakes Rodeo this weekend for some knee-slapping and belly-aching fun, and it’s all in the name of charity.

Horseman skill competitions, bull riding, jackpot speed events, team penning, barrel racing, barn dances and lots of good old clowning around can be found at this years rodeo. You can visit for a day or make camp for the entire weekend, as some are doing.

“Some people don’t have the opportunity to go to Texas and see the big rodeo but you don’t have to because we have them here,” 2013 Great Lakes Rodeo Princess Gabrielle Wyckoff said.

“I like the rodeo because I was born and raised in this atmosphere and it’s always been part of my life and I like getting to promote the rodeo and let people know what it is all about,” Great Lakes Rodeo Queen contestant Shania Tebo said.

There’s a horse stall decorating contest, but you have to have a horse to participate — any horse will do. The prize is good old-fashioned bragging rights.

“I’m looking forward to the barrell racing. I like it because everyone cheers very loudly for the cowgirls because it is the only cowgirl event at the rodeo besides the queen competition,” continued Tebo.

“Bullriding, is my favorite, edge of the seat kind of excitement. But this year, mutton-busting is going to be my favorite. Let me tell you what mutton-busting is. We take small children under 60lbs. and we let them ride like the big cowboys do, on sheep,” Jesie Melchiori said.

If you’re “Tough Enough To Wear Pink”? In support of breast cancer awareness, rodeo officials are asking everyone to wear pink to the Sunday performance. Dads attending the rodeo on Sunday get in for free when accompanied by their family.

SCHEDULE:

Friday
Horsemanskill competition ……..5pm

Saturday
Jackpot Team Penning…………. 11am
Rodeo Performance………………. 6pm
Barn Dance……………………………9pm

Sunday
Jack Pot Speed Events & NBHA Barrels…………….9am
Cowboy Church…………………………………………..10am
Rodeo Performance……………………………………….3pm
Be “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” in support of breast cancer awareness by wearing pink to the Sunday performance.

For information can be found by visiting www.greatlakesrodeo.com