Special treatment in the VIP section

Folks enjoying some extra-special treatment before and during Ramona Rodeo shows are heading for the VIP section. The nice thing about this year is rodeo-goers will be getting more for less.

The VIP ticket price was dropped this year to $50 each or $400 for a table of 10. Under the direction of Ramona Outdoor Community Center (ROCC) Grounds Chair Art Thomsen, the VIP grounds were built up to provide an area for bleachers next to the bucking chutes and an even better viewing of the arena.

“You’ll have a perfect view of the action,” said Cheryll Schulz, ROCC director overseeing the VIP area. “People will be able to sit at the tables, but they’ll be able to move to the bleachers during the rodeo show.”

Ramona resident Dale Smith, who does a lot of the cooking at the Veterans of Foreign Wars

post in town, will prepare dinner for the VIP guests Friday and Saturday nights. His menu includes roast beef, corn on the cob, baked beans, fruit salad and green salad. Look for him to arrive on the rodeo grounds five hours before showtime so the meat has plenty of time to slow cook on the spit.

Smith prepared the food at the Hal Ketchum concert in Ramona last summer.

“The food was yummy,” said Schulz. “Everyone enjoyed it.”

Sunday VIP’ers will be treated to a range of choices such as barbecue beef sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and chili.

With each VIP ticket comes VIP parking, dinner, an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink, and VIP seating. Tickets are selling quickly. Schulz encourages people to call her at 760-455-4992 to reserve a seat or table, or for more information.