Youth rodeo coming to fairgrounds this weekend

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Anyone who loves watching the rodeo will get a chance to see an action packed event at the Putnam County Fairgrounds when the Indiana Junior Rodeo Association comes on Sept. 20.

Kids from kindergarten to eighth grade participate in this fun-filled event that includes roping, a dog and bull ride and other traditional rodeo events.

Contestants work at mutton busting, chute dogging, goat tying, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, pole bending and bull riding.

The Indiana Junior Rodeo Association was founded in 1989 to promote the sport of rodeo. There are three divisions: Kindergarten, first and second grades, third, fourth and fifth grades and six, seven and eighth grades.

A Pre-school rodeo, where kids ages 2, 3 and 4 perform some rodeo events is also part of the show.

Each division competes for year-end awards that include a "State Champion" crowned in each event, each division. Each division will also award an "All Around Cowboy" and "All Around Cowgirl" title and Trophy Saddle to each high point leader at seasons end.

The IJRA is a non-profit organization, with the membership handling all the "chores" related to doing a rodeo. For anyone that enjoys watching a rodeo, who would like to see some young people trying their best in a action packed event, head to the Putnam County Fairgrounds Sept, 20. Events begin at 10 a.m. and the Grand Entry and Performance starts at 5 p.m.

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