LAKESIDE — When the Lakeside Rodeo takes place April 20-22 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, the most notable change from past years will be one nobody wished to have. The reliance on past activities indicates the success of those throughout the rodeo’s recent history.
Growney Brothers has been the rodeo’s stock contractor since the Lakeside Rodeo affiliated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1999.
LAKESIDE — When the Lakeside Rodeo takes place April 20-22 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, the most notable change from past years will be one nobody wished to have. The reliance on past activities indicates the success of those throughout the rodeo’s recent history.
Growney Brothers has been the rodeo’s stock contractor since the Lakeside Rodeo affiliated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1999.
The entertainment this year will be highlighted by announcer Don Jesser and rodeo clown Kevin Higley, who will be performing at the Lakeside Rodeo for the fourth consecutive year.
“They’ve been extremely popular, and they know everything about the cowboys, they know everything about rodeo, what’s happening in rodeo,” said Don Hickle, who handles the rodeo for the El Capitan Stadium Association.
The El Capitan Stadium Association initially started the Lakeside Rodeo to provide bleachers for El Capitan High School’s football stadium.
The rodeo proceeds also built the high school stadium’s snack bar. El Capitan still receives some funding from the rodeo, although grants are now made for other organizations which benefit the youth of Lakeside.
Over the past year the El Capitan Stadium Association provided approximately $118,000 for local youth programs.
The rodeo has between 200 and 300 volunteers, but long-time volunteer Joe Till passed away April 1. Till was both a football and baseball coach at El Capitan High School, and the 2004 Lakeside Rodeo was dedicated to Till in recognition for his service to the rodeo and the community.
A moment of silence for Till will be observed at all rodeo performances this year.
While California cowboy Luke Branquinho was at the 2011 Lakeside Rodeo, during the National Finals Rodeo in December, he won the world Steer Wrestling championship, so this year’s Lakeside Rodeo will likely see a world champion competing.
General admission seats at the rodeo’s afternoon performances are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. “We’re trying to keep it affordable if we can. We’re not trying to gouge anyone,” Hickle said.
The low prices compared to many other professional sports won’t be an obstacle to attracting top cowboys and cowgirls.
The performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. April 20, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 21, and 2: p.m. April 22.
