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Rodeo is Back at Banning Stagecoach Days for
2006
By Gail Paparian
For the Record Gazette
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| Bull
riding |
One of the fulfilling things about being a
writer is the number of subjects you get to deal with and the
interesting people you get to meet.
I was born and raised in the New York City area. My childhood was filled
with going to museums, attending live theatre, going to the Statue of
Liberty and playing any sport I was allowed to participate in. While I
did love horseback riding, it wasn't really “western.” My association
with western was my favorite TV show: the Lone Ranger and his faithful
companion, Tonto.
That was then and this is now. I'm living in Banning and our signature
Stagecoach Days celebration is here. I've been to the rodeo at
Stagecoach Days and I'm glad it's back. Here's an opportunity to attend
an event with family and friends.
The language is clean, the air is cool and crisp and thereís true
entertainment value watching these athletes a/k/a cowboys and cowgirls
earn their living.
According to Jim Smith, president of the Banning Chamber and Chairman of
Stagecoach Days, “That's pretty dang good.”
The tickets are reasonably priced at $12 for adults and $7 for children.
Tickets can still be purchased before going to the event and that will
save you the $5 gate entrance fee for adults, or $2, if youí'e a child
under 12; as your rodeo ticket is also your admission.
Stagecoach Days has a
contract with Honeycutt Rodeo Company. They bring the whole PRCA
sanctioned rodeo including horses, bulls, steers and calves.
The main components of a rodeo are: saddle bronc, bare back, steer
wrestling, team roping, tie down roping (formerly calf roping), bull
riding and barrel racing. During breaks in rodeo events, the crowd will
be treated to muttin' bustin'. This event is for youngsters weighing
less than 65 pounds. They ride a sheep and hang on for as long as they
can! Watching the ever-changing expressions on their face is half the
fun.
The saddle bronc, bare back, and riding are timed events. Riders must
remain on their mounts for 8 seconds. When the whistle is blown, it
signifies that the ride is qualified. The event is scored by two judges
from the PRCA.
The steer wrestling, tie down and team roping and barrel racing are also
timed events. They perform their routines against the clock and faster
is better.
Barrel racing is usually performed by women riders. This too is a timed
event. The riders follow a cloverleaf pattern, navigating the barrels.
The objective is to get through the pattern without knocking down a
barrel. While there is no disqualification if a barrel is knocked down,
there is a time penalty assessed.
During activities in the rodeo, you will see clowns in the arena. They
perform, interact with the crowd and have fun. There two bullfighters
and one clown. It is bullfighter's job to protect the rider and divert
the bull when a rider is down.
They are adept at what they do, while making it look simple - a job I do
not aspire to!
Ceremony and tradition is an integral part of a rodeo. The processional
begins with the grand entry accompanied by the music of “Happy Trails”
at the end.
There are usually eight participants in each rodeo event. The
contestants pay an entry fee. “Added money” is provided by the event
organizer (Banning Chamber of Commerce).
There is $1,000 added money for each individual event and $2,000 for
team events. Unlike highly paid athletes like baseball or football
players, rodeo participants are only paid what they earn.
Rodeo participants are constantly on the road; moving from event to
event. Some live in their cars, others in motor homes or hotels. They
can wind up competing in as many as two rodeos in one day. Their goal is
to stay healthy and earn enough points and money to earn them a spot at
the national finals held in Las Vegas.
While you may not have experienced visiting a rodeo in the past, now's
your chance! The rodeo is on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept.
29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
The price is right. You can still purchase tickets in advance by calling
the Banning Chamber of Commerce at 849.4695.
Rather than going to a movie or concert, come on out to Dysart Park
(22nd Street all the way south to the park).
The excitement ranks right up there with an E ticket ride at Disneyland,
like in the early days of the theme park.
In addition, there is an exhibition of western themed art by local
artists in the Beverage Garden, where you can eat and be served. There's
the carnival that runs through Sunday. The rodeo dance will feature live
entertainment on Saturday night and you can be there for the coronation
of the Stagecoach Days Rodeo Queen.
Don't forget Saturday morning. There are loads of things to do before
the parade which starts at 10 a.m. There's the Banning Farmer's Market
and the dedication of the Banning's newest mural will be at 9:30 a.m.
I've watched it being created (corner of Ramsey & 1st streets and it is
fabulous. See the Record Gazette photo by reporter Larry Rand on Page 1.
Stagecoach Days is a time to have fun and catch up with friends and
neighbors you might not have seen for awhile. You don't have to travel
great distances to have days and nights of fun, entertainment and food.
It's a local event, tailored for the people who live and work in the
Pass Area. Your support will insure the success of this special event.
For more information, call the Banning Chamber of Commerce at 849-4695.
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