Early signs of autumn mean that Rosewood Rodeo is nearly here! The 21st annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena, located two miles west on 10th and Patton Road, Great Bend.
Throughout the Rosewood Rodeo, the public is invited to come out and experience family-friendly fall fun. There is no admission charge.
The annual rodeo is a highlight of the year for equine-therapy riders from Rosewood Services, who practice their riding skills at Rosewood Ranch on a weekly basis throughout the year. Rosewood Ranch is a full-working horse ranch near Pawnee Rock, where people with developmental disabilities learn to ride and care for approximately 75 horses.
“We absolutely love this time of the year,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “With the changing of the season comes our Rosewood showcase where our therapy riders get to show their stuff in front of the home crowd. They take pride in their accomplishments and it’s also such a special day for family members, friends and Rosewood staff who come out to enjoy the Rodeo festivities.”
Rodeo-day fun includes children’s activities and games, a photo booth, and face painting. It’s a come-and-go event for spectators, so people can choose the times they wish to attend. Reasonably priced Chuck Wagon Concessions are also available, which includes a pulled pork lunch.
In between the day’s rodeo events, there are two performances by the “American Freedom Riders” horse riding drill team. “American Freedom” will perform at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., featuring different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)
The 21st Annual Rosewood Rodeo’s grand entry and flag ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Then, throughout the day, therapeutic rodeo events will be held for Rosewood Services riders, including an event for children riders, followed by the award ceremony at approximately 3 p.m.
During the rodeo, the public can participate in a silent auction, where they can expect to find excellent deals on merchandise, with all bids closing at 2:45 p.m. Proceeds from the auction go to Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation provides therapeutic, medical, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need, who have developmental disabilities.
Plan to attend any or all of the day’s events while browsing tack-shop merchandise, which will be available throughout the day.
Below is a listing of events slated for this year’s Rosewood Rodeo:
• Kids’ Games and Activities, including Face Painting
• “American Freedom Riders” Drill Team Performances
• Tack Shop with Novelties and Rosewood Client-Made Items
• Photo Booth
• Silent Auction
• Chuck Wagon Concessions
• Two Rodeo Events by Rosewood Services Adult Riders
• One Rodeo Event by Rosewood Services Children Riders
• Staff Races
• Award Ceremony for Rodeo Participants
