PRCA Rodeo: 51 Years 'N Still Buckin Strong

The modern sport of rodeo is exciting and action packed. It is a piece of American history that can be traced back to the 1700's when cowboys from local ranches gathered together to show their roping and riding skills. The duties on these early ranches included branding, roping, horse breaking, riding, and much more.

These ranch chores would evolve directly into today's rodeo events of tie-down roping, team roping, and bronc riding with the other events expanding on the ideas of these early events.

Celebrating 51 years of providing our community and the surrounding communities of Kern County with quality rodeo entertainment the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association announces our 2014 PRCA rodeo held on Friday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds at 601 S. Dennison Road.

Many local cowboys and cowboys from across the country will come to compete for points toward the PRCA finals and big cash payout purses in grueling events like bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. Lighting fast Cowgirls will be taking razor sharp turns around the barrels down to the finish line. The adrenaline will be pumping as bullfighters and barrel men will serve as bodyguards for bull riders aboard the muscle and fury of a 2,000-pound bull for a wild eight-second ride. This year the rodeo athletes will be competing for a $30,000.00 purse. The dollars and the need to earn points toward the "Ram Rodeo California Circuit Finals" and the "Wrangler National Finals Rodeo" berths will again bring top rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from near and far to our community to compete in our 51st rodeo. Providing our specialty entertainment this year is world-class mustang trainer Bobby Kerr. To begin rodeo ranch hands will compete in an old time ranch bronc riding.

Joining us again after a successful appearance at the Benz Bad Bulls in July is the Four Star Rodeo Company out of Cottonwood California. They will be providing world-class rough stock that will be bucking hard and kicking high to assure plenty of rodeo excitement. This rodeo stock is nationally known and awarded as some of the best in the business. Talented bullfighters and pick-up men round out the arena crew.

The gates open two hours early so our rodeo fans can pick a seat on our wonderful new arena bleachers where every spot affords our viewers with great rodeo action. Come early to browse "vendor's row" where our fans can get their rodeo "bling" on. Items from jeans to jewelry and for horse to house will be available, along with food and drink for all ages. Don't forget the popular dollar dig for kids 8 and under, with paid admission, will happen during each performance. The TMRA PRCA Rodeo is held in conjunction with the annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival. Both events promise action packed activities full of family fun.

We will again feature a dance after the rodeo on Saturday night benefiting a local charity. The price for the dance is $10.

The Tehachapi Rodeo began as a youth rodeo and evolved into an adult amateur rodeo. In 1985, the rodeo joined the ranks of what now includes over 900 rodeos in 48 states and four Canadian Provinces as a pro rodeo sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association) and is celebrating its 19th year as a Ram Truck sponsored Rodeo.

Our association boasts a large group of truly committed volunteers who spent countless hours to create an event that provides quality family style entertainment at affordable prices. We are motivated by a deep love for the community, the sport of professional rodeo, our desire to showcase true Western Americana celebrating the "Western Way of Life".

The tickets for the Rodeo can be purchased for a presale $2 discount prior to the day of the rodeo at our local ticket outlets in Tehachapi Albertsons, Hemme Hay and the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. The Emporium Western Store in Bakersfield as well as the Boot Barn in both Bakersfield and Lancaster will also have our rodeo tickets for sell.

The price of presale tickets will be Adults $13 with a special admission ticket price of $10 for Seniors 60+, active military personal with a military id, and children ages five-12.

Children under the age of five are admitted free with a paid adult. Parking will be $5 and is a fundraiser for the Tehachapi Police Explorers Post. Ticket prices at the gate on the day of the event will be $15 for adults; $12 for active Military, seniors (60+) and children five-12 with children under the age of five are admitted free with a paid adult.

For more information regarding the great sport of rodeo visit our website at http://www.tehachapiprorodeo.com or follow us on our Facebook page at Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association.