The 95th Annual Lake County Rodeo will be held this weekend (Friday and Saturday) at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The latest in a long history from the Lake County Rodeo Association stretching back at least to 1929. The rodeo will feature the return of the Junior bull riders, which was first established back in 1997.
Members of the Rodeo Association took part in the Middletown Days Parade as a way of promoting the rodeo. They advertised it with a banner, hanging from the side of a truck pulled trailer. In the trailer were members of the association with banners and sashes displayed.
The gates for the Lake County Rodeo will open at 5 p.m. with events starting at 6:30 p.m. For Friday, July 11, the first event is the “Cutest Lil’ Cowpoke Contest” where children are dressed up and presented. Another event is “Mutton Bustin’” where kids can try riding a calf while wearing a helmet. The main bulk of the rodeo lies in riding, roping, racing, and a dance to close out the night at 9 p.m. As for Saturday July 12, while not as event filled, there’s still a fun time to be had for everyone. Especially the return of Donnie Landis, a veteran rodeo clown of 52 years.
Another noteworthy part of the 95th Annual Lake County Rodeo are the Junior bull riders. The JBR was established in 1997 in partnership with Donnie Landis. The JBR itself has served as a way to educate and illuminate the sport of bull riding for kids. It provides a safe experience through riding small bucking bulls and practical exposure to the sport itself. And for the rodeo, an actual “Mini Bull-Riding” will be done by the JBR where kids from ages 6 to 14 will perform.
The Lake County Rodeo does not lack in events or history. Everyone involved, from Rodeo Royalty contestants to personnel, said they are passionate about the rodeo. From riding, handling, and training horses to skill with rope and lassos to so much more. Even if it is to put on a show, the dedication cannot be missed.
