Apple Festival Rodeo, Oct. 12

Nick Smirnoff (NPPA).

Celebrating 61 years of providing our community and the surrounding communities of Kern County, TMRA is proud to announce our 2nd annual Apple Fest Rodeo on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m.

We will be doing this in conjunction with Apple Festival, at the Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds at 415 N. Dennison Rd. Tickets are available at http://www.TehachapiProRodeo.com and a small amount at Albertsons, Hemme Hay, The Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and day of at the ticket booth. All Tickets are $15 for this family-friendly event.

A piece of American history, the modern sport of rodeo can be traced back to the 1700s 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 have evolved directly into today's rodeo events of tie-down roping, team roping and bronc riding. In a tribute to this American history our rodeo will begin with a fan favorite of ranch bronc riding with cowboys from our local ranches.

Cowboys from across the state will come to Tehachapi to compete in events like bronc riding, calf tying, team roping and bull riding. Providing our specialty entertainment this year is Nate Reed as our man in the barrel. We will also have entertainment provided by a mounted shooting group called The California Desperados from Acton, California. We will also have mutton bustin, and during a break in the performance, we will do a Sponsor TUG -A-WAR, so make sure you root for your favorite community team. We will also be hosting a Charity Calf dressing event that will pit teams from the community against each other for a chance to win $2,000 for their local charity. We still have room for more four man teams. If you would like to enter, reach out via our website.

The gates open two hours early so our rodeo fans can pick a seat among our wonderful arena bleachers, where every spot affords viewers with great rodeo action. Come early to browse our newly enlarged "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.

The Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association is committed to preserving and promoting the "Western Way of Life" and producing quality family rodeo entertainment at affordable prices. TMRA is a nonprofit organization that strives to promote western values and goals fitting of the true American icon, The Cowboy. They support the community and other nonprofit organizations in our area through the staging of multiple events throughout the year, including trail rides, the "Benz Bad Bulls Tour" and several Junior Rodeos. TMRA is proud of the return to our roots of Junior Rodeo and has had a very successful season so far, seeing as many as 100 cowboy kids participate at the rodeos. The association believes that the Junior Rodeo program builds a strong foundation of character, discipline and self esteem in our "CowKids." 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).

Our association boasts a small group of truly committed volunteers who spent countless hours creating these two spectacular days of rodeo excitement. 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."

Children under the age of 3 are admitted free with a paid adult, but must sit on a lap. Ticket prices are $15 at the gate on the day of the event or through online ticket sales at http://www.tehachapiprorodeo.com. Please, as our internet service at the rodeo grounds is very weak, plan on bringing cash for purchases. We do accept Venmo.

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