Russian River Rodeo on

DUNCANS MILLS — The Russian River Rodeo is on. Both Sat. June 4
and Sun. June 5 are packed with a schedule of events designed to
keep the whole family having fun all day.
The picturesque rodeo grounds located in Duncan’s Mills have
been closed now for weeks while organizers decided how to react to
a recent California outbreak of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy
(EHM) caused by EHV-1 but the decision has now been made that the
rodeo will go on as planned.
“The Russian River Rodeo Association has taken steps to reduce
risk and to make people more confident about participating at our
facility. We will be following the California Department of Food
& Agriculture’s recommendations for horse shows,” said
organizer Mari Parmeter who also suggested visiting the California
Department of Food and Agriculture website for current and up to
date information.
Back by popular demand this year are the Daredevil Sweethearts
from Redding.
“This is my favorite half-time show,” said Parmeter.
This trio of riders dazzled the crowd last year while keeping
them on the edge of their seats. The female tricksters, decked out
in costume, are famous for riding their horses at full speed, in
all kinds of creative ways.
Standing in the saddle, or swinging underneath the horse in
vault style gymnastic fashion are just a few of the stunts the
riders have mastered. The Daredevil Sweethearts will give
autographs in the kids area.
Also during half-time, DJ Michael J from country music station,
KTRY 106.3 in Cazadero will be giving away a pair of Tim McGraw
tickets for a June 11 Shoreline Amphitheater show. On Saturday at
the Russian River Rodeo Michael J will personally draw a winner
during half time and every person that purchases a ticket and
attends the rodeo that day will be automatically entered in the
free drawing.
Throughout the weekend, more than 100 participants will compete
in the events that feature the skills of professional cowboys and
cowgirls from throughout California as well as local individuals.
Barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, and saddle bronc are some
of the performances that will be judged or timed with the winners
receiving prizes.
“We hope that those who attend the rodeo will leave with a taste
of the Western lifestyle and an appreciation for the working
cowboys (and cowgirls) who really do still exist today,” said
Parmeter. 
The Russian River Rodeo is a family event that includes
activities for children as well as adults. A youth and children’s
activity area will feature a collection of fun things to do, like
sit on a real saddle or jump in a jumbo size bounce house.
There will be plenty of good old fashioned fun including a
horseshoe tournament for adults and a washers tournament for kids
on Saturday night after the rodeo until 8 p.m. Teams and
individuals interested in participating should sign up at the
rodeo. The cost is $20 per team for the horseshoe tournament and
$10 per team for the washers tournament. Prizes will be given for
the winners of these games.
A Cowboy breakfast featuring strawberry pancakes, fresh
scrambled eggs, and sausage links, along with a choice of coffee,
or orange juice will be hosted by The Russian River Rotary Club on
both Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 7 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The cost is $8. A tasty barbecue and other mouthwatering foods will
also be available throughout the weekend at the rodeo grounds.
Tickets to the Russian River Rodeo are $12 for adults, $7
seniors, $5 kids, or $30 for a Family Pack. Pre-sale ticket prices
are $10 for adults, $7 seniors and $4 kids. Tickets are available
for purchase at a number of businesses throughout Sonoma County.
For additional information, contact the Russian River Rodeo
Association at 865-9854 or 632-5005, or go to the website at
www.russianriverrodeo.org.
Those traveling to the rodeo on Sunday may want to pick an
alternative route to avoid heavy traffic in Guerneville due to the
Sonoma County Pride Parade & Celebration. Taking Bohemian
Highway from Santa Rosa is the local recommended alternative
route.
Kimberly Kaido-Alvarez can be reached at ki*@so********.com.