Poway Rodeo opens with excitement

By: JESSICA MUSICAR - For the North County Times | Friday, September 24, 2004 11:21 PM PDT ∞

POWAY ---- Bolting out of its stall at breakneck speed during the bareback event, a bucking horse tossed his rider like a rag doll --- just one of many breathtaking moments shared by hundreds of spectators Friday on the opening night of the 32nd annual Poway Rodeo.

The first part of the three-day event, which runs through Sunday, drew about 2,500 people, said Russ Sheldon, the rodeo chairman. He expects an additional 8,500 attendees for the rest of the rodeo being held at the Poway Valley Riders Association Arena.

The rodeo continues at 7:30 p.m today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the arena, 14336 Tierra Bonita Road.

Competitive events included bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel riding and down roping, also known as calf roping. Adults and children competed in those and other events that they hoped would help them bring home part of $100,000 in prize money.

Joe Biggers, the rodeo's vice chairman, said there are 60 bull riders this year who will compete to qualify for a national finals rodeo in Las Vegas.

Competition wasn't the only thing to see at the rodeo. Families and other festivalgoers were treated to the antics of rodeo clown Troy "Wild Child" Lerwill, who performed a motorcycle stunt in addition to his normal clowning around. Lerwill will attempt to jump a horse trailer with his bike again tonight.

Friday was also children's night at the rodeo and kids were admitted free along with a paying adult.

Mark and Liz Kennedy, who brought their two young sons, said this year's rodeo was their first, although they have lived in Poway for years. Liz Kennedy said they had recently become country music fans and wanted to explore other related activities.

"I think it's part of our cultural heritage, and it doesn't get more American than a rodeo," Liz Kennedy said.

One child who participated in the festivities was Sheldon's grandson, Zachary Sheldon, 10. Decked out in a black cowboy hat and face paint, the boy worked as a junior rodeo clown for the second time.

Zachary said he helps young cowboys when they fall off the sheep during the mutton bustin' event

"It's pretty much a tradition in my family and its just pretty cool getting out there in front of everybody," Zachary said.

The Poway Rodeo was introduced in 1973, Sheldon said, when the Poway Valley Riders Association, the Lion's Club and the Poway Chamber of Commerce wanted to find a way to promote the area's western traditions. Sheldon said that he and his wife are the only two people he knows who have worked at all 32 rodeos.

The rodeo is a big production for the city, with its $190,000 price tag and 150-plus volunteers. No one involved with the event is paid except for specialty acts, bull fighters and rodeo clowns.

Proceeds from the event will go to various charities, Sheldon said.

"It helps generate community interest and gives kids something to look up to and gives us a chance to raise money and put it back into the community," Sheldon said.

For information about the remainder of the rodeo, call (760) 736-0594 or visit www.powayrodeo.com.

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