The Grand National Rodeo is happening in San Franciscothis weekend (17th-18th) and the following weekend (24th – 25th). This is one of the most highly anticipated equestrian events in the west. Every year, thousands of spectators from seven different states come to watch many exciting events. Drill teams complete synchronized routines on horseback. Riders compete for the fastest time in barrel racing, where they have to gallop around barrels as fast as they can (our campers circled barrels at the walk). Brave riders try their hardest to stay on the back of a bucking horse for as long as possible. Horses and their riders work together to round up cattle and lock them up in a pen. Kids will enjoy the Arabian costume contest, the Ponies at the Palace which features Welsh and Cob ponies, and the rodeo kids night on the 24th. There will also be a special side saddle event on the 25th.
This year, Supreme Mustang Makeover winner Bobby Kerr will also be performing with his three highly trained mustangs. Bobby Kerr is a horse trainer who adopts wild mustangs and trains them to be respectable horses. He participated in a National Geographic miniseries called Mustang Millionaire that shows the process he went through to train his wild horses. Kerr and his mustangs will display their talents at each7:30show.
In addition to the equestrian events, exhibitors will also bring in their best livestock to be judged. A variety of farm animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and pigs will compete for both prize money and the coveted title of Grand National Champion. Scholarships are available for high school seniors and college students who compete in the junior classes and plan to pursue a career in agriculture.
The Geoff Miller Band will provide live music with dancing, along with a barbeque and shopping. This is an exciting event that everyone in the family will enjoy and we hope to see you out there!
