Saturday Night Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews

Photo by Carol Niles Photography

Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews

By Meg Wall-Wild

Your ears prick up as you wait for the gate to open at 6 p.m. Is that Lone Star Junction warming up? The outlaw country band fronted by James McBride and his Telecaster kicks o a smashing lineup of Saturday night fun July 17!

Grab a brew from Humboldt Beer Distributors and watch the kids rodeo out with Mutton Bustin’ (ages 6-9 with adult) and Steer Ridin’ (ages 10-13 with adult). Both events are free but participants must have their own helmet and vest (rigging too, steer riders). The action starts at 7 p.m. Make sure the phone is charged to catch the family mutton buster in action! Cheer on those future circuit steer riders (they all start somewhere) and have a blast.

Next, the Rescue Barrel Race gets that adrenaline pumping. A $200 purse is up for grabs! Horse and rider lean around a barrel and the crowd leans too. All clear and sprint

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Photo by Carol Niles Photography

to the line! Free to enter, the competition is open to horseback only. Leave the llama at home.

“The Centennial Bull,” the original poster art by Michael Zontos commemorating 100 years of Fortuna Rodeos, will be auctioned o between 7 and 8 p.m. Will you ride the bull to the buzzer? He will look darn good hanging in your man cave or she shed!

Bull and Bronc Riding is the main meat of the night. Do you have a cool Eel River California Blonde Ale in the stands with you? The crowd murmur builds. You hear indignant animals and clanging metal. The moment is near. Then the gate bursts open in a fl urry of hooves, hide and Stetson. Root for that brave soul who took on almost a ton of angry steer! Stand and scream for that bronc rider who beat the buzzer!

Tickets are available online or at the gate for a family friendly price of $10 adults, $5 kids. If you are competing in events, sign up at the south end of the arena starting at 6 p.m. (hurry, the roster fi lls up quick). Bring an adult if required and all contestants must sign a waiver. Good luck riders!