RAM PRCA California Circuit Finals Rodeo returns to the Antelope Valley

The RAM PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) California Circuit Finals Rodeo Committee and the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds proudly announces the return of the RAM PRCA California Circuit Finals to the Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center on Oct. 5, 6 and 7.

This year's event will once again host the top 12 California rodeo contestants who will compete in all seven rodeo events, including bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing.

Johnny Zamrzla, PRCA California Circuit Committee Chairman, said, "We are thrilled to once again bring California's best Rodeo professionals and the top animal 'athletes' to the Antelope Valley. The California Circuit Final Rodeo is one of the most competitive and exciting spectator sports. All of the rodeo events will surely thrill the most seasoned and new rodeo fans alike. We are fortunate to have tremendous partnership and community support that makes this caliber of event possible and I hope our local residents come out in droves to enjoy this affordable family friendly event."

In addition to great rodeo, the annual Craft Fair featuring hundreds of crafters and shopping, returns to the H.W. Hunter Pavilion. Craft Fair shopping hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Entry to the Craft Fair is free on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Craft Fair hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the Craft Fair on Sunday requires either a Rodeo or Lancaster Flea Market admission ticket.

The Van Dam Barn Dances will also return on Friday and Saturday night, immediately following the Rodeo. Dance the night away under the stars at the Corona Cantina, located right outside the grandstands. Live music on Friday night will be provided by Jake Nelson and the Tone Wranglers. On Saturday night, John Spear and The Runaway Train will entertain fans.

New to the event this year will be the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Flea Market and Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 7. Paid admission tickets to the Flea Market include free Rodeo matinee admission. Flea Market tickets are available for purchase at the box office on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Rodeo festivities kick off on Friday, Oct. 5, with Patriot Day: Active, retired and former military men and women and their dependents receive free admission. Free admission will be available at the box office on Friday evening only. All other fans are encouraged to show their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue. Gates open Friday at noon and the Rodeo begins at

7 p.m.

Saturday evening Rodeo will open with a special ride in by Ride for the Pink, an organization dedicated to raising money for Breast Cancer research, awareness and treatment. Rodeo fans can show their support for finding a cure for Breast Cancer by wearing "Pink." Gates open Saturday at noon and the Rodeo begins at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, gates open at 7 a.m. Rodeo Matinee begins at 2 p.m. Sunday Rodeo or Flea Market tickets are just $6. Sunday tickets include entry to both the Rodeo and Lancaster Flea Market.

According to AV Fair and Event Center CEO, Dan Jacobs, "This is going to be a fantastic fall weekend, a great venue and great events, Rodeo, Craft Fair and the renowned Lancaster Flea Market and Car Show. An all-American sport, shopping, live music, dancing and more. It's truly affordable family entertainment all weekend long with Rodeo tickets starting at just $25, and we offer $10 online promotional codes for Friday and Saturday Rodeo tickets. Sunday tickets are just $6 and include access to the Flea Market, Craft Fair and Rodeo. Families can't beat the price and we hope to see tons of folks on the weekend of Oct. 5, 6 and 7 at the Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center."

Ticket and parking information is available at http://www.avfair.com. For Rodeo details go to http://www.cafinalsrodeo.com. Visit http://www.lancasterchamber.org for Flea Market information.