And they call the thing rodeo

Contestants enjoy wintertime rodeo at Je co Fairgrounds

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Lakewood’s Mikayla Wilson practically grew up at the Je erson County Fairgrounds, roping and riding in the county’s rodeo team with friend Joey Quintana.

So, because Je co hadn’t hosted a rodeo at the fairgrounds in more than ve years, they decided to host one of their own.

After more than six months of planning, more than 200 contestants and hundreds of spectators turned out for the March 11 Winter Rodeo at the fairgrounds. e Mountain Valley Rodeo Company hosted contestants from all over Colorado and surrounding states.

While Colorado’s rodeo season typically starts in April, Wilson said, “We did this one as the winter rodeo to get people ready for the season and bring something back to Je co.”

Not only was the time of year unique, but the schedule was too, e March 11 event was a full rodeo but only lasted a day. Contestants competed in a slack in the morning, which featured all contestants, Wilson explained. en, 10-12 contestants were randomly selected to rope and ride again at 4 p.m., when the bulk of the spectators were expected.

Wilson and participants explained.

For instance, 50 barrel racers signed up to compete in the morning’s slack, and then 12 ran later in the performance. is way, Wilson explained, the spectators get a taste

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