Manufacturer’s Outlet Leather Crafts
1315 Fernbridge Dr. Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-0228
Photo by Phil Doyle Photography
Tack Repair Monday thru Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
BBBB Has the Remedy By Meg Wall-Wild
A
re you saddled up for Saturday night? Gates open at 6 p.m. July 16 for Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews! The bulls are extra ornery. The broncs are fired up. The band is in tune. The beer is chilled. What are you waiting for? The price is right at a wallet-pleasing $10 for adults and $5 for the 12-and-under crowd. Did you miss the Remedy Band last night? You get a second chance at 6 p.m. with a dance-inducing playlist of country rock from Aldean to ZZ Top. Michael Norton (guitar), Mark De La O (drums), Bo Conn (guitar), Albert Clark (keyboards) and Eric Nasland (bass guitar) will get you twostepping until you can two-step no more. Don’t forget to wear those comfy Justins. You’ll need them for both boot scootin’ and footloose boogieing. Did you sign up the little mutton buster (ages 6-9 with an adult) for some ring time? Or register that middle school steer rider (ages 10-13 with an adult) who has been practicing technique all year. Sign those riders up early because this year registration is online only. Mutton Bustin’ and Steer Riding is free! Take care of check-in at 6 p.m., and bring the required helmet and vest, and rigging for steer riders. Safety equipment is a must for all participants, as are waivers. With obligations taken care of,
sit back with one of the Humboldt brews on tap and watch the fun! Be careful not to spill that beer — a good belly laugh may mean a trip back to the tap! The bucking begins at 7 p.m. with Mutton Bustin’, followed by Steer Riding. Stubborn sheep meets determined youth. Who wins out? Mom holds her breath as annoyed beef tries to rid itself of the preteen stuck like a burr on its back. Footage from proud parents will be posted on Instagram before the stands are empty. Peek back at the cover to see the artwork up for auction this year. “Western Fun Along the 101” is up for grabs. Be the highest bidder when the original signed artwork is auctioned off between 7 and 8 p.m. It looks fantastic on this program; just imagine Ryan Jensen’s artwork hanging on your wall. The crowd is now primed for the main event at 8 p.m. Time for Bulls and Broncs. Seat-of-the-pants riding ramps up the anxious excitement of the spectators. Another rider thrown! A bull busts out of the gate, cowboy hat flying off as the crowd cheers. Can the rider stay on longer than their hat? Make a friendly wager with your neighbor. Loser buys the next round. You look back into the ring just in time to see the highest buck you’ve ever seen a horse buck. Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Beers is bound to live up to its reputation. ✪ FORTUNA RODEO 2022
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