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It’s Rodeo Weekend!

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Top professional cowboys are heading into town for the 36th Annual Ramona Rodeo from Thursday through Sunday.

Presented by the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned event will start in the Fred Grand Arena at 421 Aqua Lane with slack on Thursday at 8 p.m. Admission is free to watch slack, which features overflow contestants who, due to scheduling conflicts, are unable to compete in the main events Friday through Sunday.

Complementing rodeo weekend will be the Main Street Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Parade watchers are advised to arrive early for prime viewing spots.

“America the Beautiful” is the theme that will be carried throughout the weekend. One of the most well-known Marines in the region, retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major Bill Paxton, will present the Pledge of Allegiance before the Saturday night show, and the Miramar Young Marines will present the colors during opening ceremonies Sunday afternoon. Paxton, a 30-year Marine, is a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was 2005-06 Veteran of the Year and is known for his continued service to veterans and community.

“The rodeo is a tradition that is a part of our legacy in Ramona,” said Kayla Duba, former Ramona resident and 2005 Miss Rodeo California who returns to town each year as Ramona Rodeo production coordinator.

Hometown cowboys competing in the 2016 rodeo include steer wrestler Matt Deskovick on Saturday and tie-down roper Cameron Elston, steer wrestler Fred Hight and team roper Marcus Battaglia on Sunday.

Rodeo performances start at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Gates open an hour and a half earlier. General admission ranges from $10 on Sunday to $20 on Saturday. Preferred and VIP seating also is offered, and tickets for children are $5 on Friday and Sunday. Those age 5 and younger are admitted free, and “Best Seat at the Rodeo” tickets for an opportunity to sit in the best seats at each rodeo show are an additional $1. Best Seat proceeds benefit the Ramona Rodeo Queen Travel Fund.

Rodeo tickets may be purchased online at ramonarodeo.com and in the Business Barn at 369 Main St., Albertsons at 1459 Main St., and Boot Barn of El Cajon.

Featured in each show will be bull riding, tie-down-roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and steer wrestling. Barrel racing will be on Sunday, and Mutton Bustin’ for ages 5 to 7 will on Friday and Sunday.

Andy Stewart returns as rodeo announcer, Dusty Duba and Joe Butler will be back as bullfighters, and Mark Swingler will be in the arena as rodeo clown and entertainer, and Honeycutt Rodeo Inc. will supply the stock. Miss Rodeo California Rachel Owens will join Ramona Rodeo Queen Ashley McDonald and other area rodeo royalty.

Dancing to country music from the Patrick Howard Trampus Band will be immediately after the Friday and Saturday night shows. The free dances will last until 1 a.m.

Sunday is Kids Day. The first 200 youngsters through the gates with a paid adult will receive a gift.

Rodeo weekend is more than the events. Outside the arena will be an array of vendors offering everything from food and drink to jewelry and cowboy gear.

For more about rodeo weekend, see the rodeo program included in this issue of the Sentinel and Ramona Rodeo online and on Facebook.

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