Ramona Rodeo starts tonight at Ramona Outdoor Community Center

The spirit of the Wild West will begin to take over Ramona tonight when the gates of the Fred Grand Rodeo Arena at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center open at 5:30 with what begins a weekend of cowboys, steer wrestling, bull riding, bronc busting, and other rodeo events.

_D2H0299.WEBTonight’s theme is Patriot Night and visitors should see lots of red, white and blue. Joani Georgesen, director of the ROCC and co-director of Ramona Rodeo, said the first 500 people through the gate will receive a free 11-inch by 18-inch American flag.

“We want to see those flags waving in honor of our military,” said Georgesen.

Friday night’s rodeo performance with top Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association contenders will begin at 7:30. Visitors can bring an appetite because food vendors will offer Mexican and Cuban food, specialties from Hunter Steakhouse, and much more.

“Come on out and get a different taste of the rodeo,” said Georgesen.

After the Friday rodeo, a Tuff Enuff Second Annual Dummy Roping will be held. Sponsored by Kenrix Sushi & Co. and Sass Electric, the event presents $250 added money for a 75 percent payback.

Signups will start at 8 p.m., and continue until after the rodeo, at the ROCC Pavilion stage. There is no limit on teams that can be entered. Cost is $10 per team. For more information, contact Harlee McCluskey at 760-579-2603.

Prices for the rodeo’s general seating tickets for Friday are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 6 and older. The rodeo will continue on Saturday night with gates opening at 5:30 and performances starting at 7:30. All seats are $15. On Sunday, the gates open at 12:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 2:30. General seating tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 6 and older. Adults can save $10 by purchasing a three-day pass for $25.

Rodeo tickets are on sale at Elston Hay and Grain, at 2220 Main St., in the Ramona Business Barn at 369 Main St., online at ramonarodeo.net, or at the gate. Buyers may choose from general seating, preferred seating, or VIP tickets.

Saturday’s events will kick off with the Main Street Parade at 10 a.m. The “R-Town” theme parade will be “full of all things rodeo, plus a lot more. It is truly everything we love about Ramona,” said Georgesen.

The parade route begins at 14th Street and travels along Main to Fifth Street, ending at the rodeo grounds off Aqua Lane. For more information about the parade, call 760-788-0811.

Saturday night’s rodeo theme will be “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Night and pink Hawaiian-type leis will be sold with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer foundation.

The crowd is invited to participate in the free family dance, which takes place immediately after the Saturday night rodeo in the ROCC pavilion. The band Agavero Revue is performing. The dance is sponsored by Buckin Barbie’s Saloon and Grill.

On Sunday, Cowboy Church will provide a short but meaningful sermon, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the rodeo grounds.

_D2X7788.WEBKids Day will follow on Sunday with rodeo-type action for children, in the ROCC pavilion, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 100-plus kids will receive free cowboy hats, bandanas, and cowboy ropes. Children are encouraged to dress in Western attire so they can compete in the Mr. Buckaroo and Miss Buckarette contest.

For more information on anything Ramona Rodeo, call 760-788-0811, email ramonarodeo@aol.com, or visit ramonarodeo.net.