Free family entertainment, including two trick-riding performances, Randy the Clown, face painting and other children’s activities, will all be included in the Eighth Annual Rosewood Rodeo this Saturday at the Great Bend Expo III arena, two miles west of 10th and Patton.
The grand entry is scheduled for 10 a.m. Four therapeutic rodeo events will be held for Rosewood Services Inc. clients, followed by an award ceremony at approximately 4 p.m.
The Double Trouble Trick Riders will perform at approximately 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The group is comprised of teenage twins Bethany and Brittany Iles, along with their younger sister, Libby. The trio has performed in championship events of The United Rodeo Association and the American Family Rodeo, along with other rodeo events around the country.
The public can stay for any or all events. Concessions are available during the rodeo. And for $5 each, people are invited to stay for a barbecue dinner at 5 p.m.
A silent auction will be held with proceeds going to Rosewood’s Roots & Wings Foundation.
The annual rodeo is one of the grandest days of the year for approximately 40 equine-therapy riders from Rosewood Services who practice their riding skills at Rosewood Ranch on a weekly basis throughout the year. The ranch is a 750-acre full-working horse ranch near Pawnee Rock where people with developmental disabilities learn to ride and care for approximately 50 horses.
Though some of the riders compete in horse shows during the summer months, Rosewood Ranch manager Eric Hammond said the rodeo is special because it features most all of the adult riders and it allows them to compete and perform at home in front of their families and friends.
“The rodeo is the one day when our riders get to show off in front of the home crowd,” said Hammond. “The day means so much to them. They take pride in their accomplishments and it’s very heart-warming to be a part of that experience. It’s one of the busiest and best days of the year for all of us at Rosewood.”
Hammond also acknowledged the support the annual Rodeo receives throughout the community. There are dozens of volunteers who help with the rodeo every year and there are 16 sponsors for this year’s event. Major sponsors are: Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball; Alterna Care Home Health; Community Bank; Dawson Jewelers; Doonan Specialized Trailers; Eagle Radio; Identifications Company; Keller Real Estate & Insurance Agency; Kustom Floor Designs; Marmie Motors & Marmie Ford; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Office Products Inc.; and Walmart. Also contributing are Bert and Sue Newhal, Moeder Oil Company, and Animal Medical Center.
“The rodeo is one of the most worthwhile events that we can offer to our clients, but it takes huge effort by many folks and it there is an expense involved,” said Hammond. “Without our sponsors and volunteers, the rodeo would not have grown to what it represents today. It’s easily one of the biggest days of the year for our riders, their families and friends. But the rodeo is more than an annual event. It’s an energized atmosphere where lasting memories are made, no matter how many times a rider participates.”   
Find more about Rosewood Services Inc. online at rosewoodservices.com. Find out more about the Double Trouble Trick Riders at doubletroubletrickrider.webs.com.