The cowboy gets his chance

Dust off the cowboy hat and pull out the leather boots. For the 88th year in a row, the rodeo is coming to town. Gold Country Pro Rodeo, which will take place at the Gold Country Fairgrounds on April 27 and 28, will include two days of cowboy-themed, family-fun: bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, mutton busting, bull jumping and more. And, for those who can't get enough, there are parties and activities before and after the event itself, in what Auburn has come to call Rodeo Week. "This is a long, long, held tradition in the city of Auburn," said EZ Events director Darlene Lyons. Lyons oversees the event's planning and publicity. "It's big time rodeo in a small town. This place has a lot of community, and it's fun to come out and see people you know." The week begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday night at the Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer with dummy roping contests, live music, free hot dogs and a cash bar. Friday night is the official kick-off party at the fairgrounds, and it starts at 5 p.m. This event includes performances by country artist Madison Hudson, barbecue and alcohol for purchase, and an Ag Adventure petting zoo. Admission and parking are free. On Saturday, April 27, the rodeo gates open at 2 p.m. While the rodeo itself does not begin until 4 p.m., Lyon recommends coming early. "Come early and find a good seat," she said. "The arena has a narrow entrance, and 4,000 people can't get through a narrow entrance in 20 minutes. But there's lots for them to do." Like, for instance: say hello to the rodeo clowns, ride a mutton, pan for "gold," or get some grub. The official after-party starts Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Pistol Pete's Brew and Cue in Auburn. Performing at 9 p.m. will be Buck Ford and the Pure Country Band. Sunday, April 28 is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink!" day, which means that anyone who comes to the rodeo wearing pink will be entered into a prize drawing. Sponsored by Crime Victims United, Sunday is also Military and First Responder Day, which means free admission for anyone with appropriate identification. The rodeo, which opens at noon on Sunday, will officially begin at 2 p.m. But, the day will actually open with an optional Cowboy Church at the fairgrounds at 10 a.m. Some of the features Lyons is most excited about are some annual favorites, like the Flying SMX Cowboys, a motorcycle crew; Manu Lataste, a flying bull jumper; and a parachuter who flies down to the ground in an American flag. She's also excited about new features this year, including LED screens that will allow everyone to see exactly what's happening no matter where they're sitting; the new Ram truck line-up, and the Business Barrel Race. Lyon is also excited about all of the funds that will be going back into the local community — specifically, the boys and Girls Club, the Placer High Music Boosters, and at least 11 other nonprofits that will receive funds raised by the event. "This event plays into history and tradition," Lyon said. "It's about community." Not everyone is as pumped about the event as Lyon, some critics have voiced concerns about the treatment of the animals used in the rodeo performances. Lyon says these concerns are not based on accurate information. "The animals here get the highest of care," she said. "They're well conditioned, super healthy. Any cowboy can tell you how powerful and strong the animals are." Lyons adds that the rodeo has a veterinarian on site at all times, in addition to following the official PRCA guidelines on animal care. An animal welfare coordinator makes sure the contractors know how to care for animals. Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased at the goldcountryprorodeo.com, or at the fairgrounds. General admission is $21, covered seating is $26. Kids age 3 and under are free. Lyon recommends bringing a blanket to sit on, sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses. Parking is $8 for vehicles and $10 for large trucks or RVs. "This is a live sporting event with real athletes," Lyon said. It's electric and exciting, a fun, patriotic event. There are lots of reasons to come out to the rodeo."