Helping Hands: Barstow's 20th rodeo

The weekend of Sept. 29 and 30, the Barstow Rodeo Group will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Barstow Rodeo Stampede. It is a not-for profit group and a member of the Professional Cowboys Association. Katee Coffman, Miss Rodeo of California, will be here to help celebrate this special occasion.

Activities are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29 in the rodeo arena of the Marine Corps Logistics Base. To reach the location from Barstow, take Interstate 15 north and exit right at Ghost Town Road or take Interstate 40 east to Daggett and turn left. From either direction follow the signs to the rodeo grounds.

There will be seven professional events: Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Ladies Barrel Race, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Tie Down Roping.

In addition to the professional events there will be Wool Riders, also known as Muttin Bustin’ and is a real crowd pleaser, when kids aged 10 and under and 65 pounds or less have a chance to perform. Each participant receives a patch and a medal.

The ladies drill team on horseback, “High Desert Regulators” from Hesperia, will also perform and Mike Hayhurst, Barstow’s rodeo clown, will be on hand with his donkeys. There will be nice variety of food and drink for sale.

Advance sale tickets are $11 and $47.50 for a family of five. Children 6 and under are free. All tickets at the gate are $12. VIP tickets are available in advance for $17. Tickets in advance are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Desert Community Bank, Soutar’s Dodge, the Marine Base, Peggy Sue’s in Yermo and at the Boot Barn in Victorville.

Sunday’s Stampede will begin at 5 p.m. also at the same place and same gate price.

Invited guests on Sunday are foster children, physically and mentally challenged children, special education students from Barstow and Silver Valley Unified School Districts. Also invited are members of B.E.S.T. Opportunities, residents of the Veterans Home, Rimrock Convalescent Hospital and Rimrock Retirement.

Sunday’s program will include performances of the same seven professional events. About midway through Sunday’s event, the queens will be announced. Miss Little Queen will be age 8 to 12; Teen Queen, age 13 to 16 and Rodeo Queen, age 17 to 23. Each queen will receive a sash, tiara and a buckle.

On Friday, Sept. 28, the day before the Stampede, Slack will be held at 6 p.m. at the Marine Base arena. It is for competitors who didn’t draw slots in either Saturday or Sunday Bull Riders events. These cowboys are selected randomly and are not less qualified than the competitors. There is no charge to attend Slack.

The Barstow Rodeo Group began here in 1988 on the grounds of Howard Pump in Yermo. They used those grounds until they moved to the Marine Base arena 14 years ago and continues to date.

Current officers of the Barstow Rodeo Group are President Mal Wessell, Vice President Steve Carter, Secretary-Treasurer Connie Wessell and Bob Myers is a member of the Board. Mal is Rodeo Chairman. Call him at 252-3093 for additional information.

This paper reported that last year “more than 5,000 fans came to see the action.” It also noted that “over 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the West took part.” I also heard that there was a long line of cars waiting to get in to the parking lot when the rodeo started on Saturday night. I suggest those attending allow plenty of time.

We should be thankful for the Rodeo Group and the many other volunteers who independently and as members of organizations help to bring this special event here. Our attendance helps to show our appreciation.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Helen Bendure is a correspondent for the Desert Dispatch She can be contacted at rimrock83@aol.com