Junior rodeo planned

The Thermopolis WJRA (Wyoming Junior Rodeo Association) Rodeo is hitting town at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30 and 9 a.m. Sunday, July 31.

Shawna Farrell said this year they are expecting 75-80 contestants, aged 4-16.

“There are rodeos all over the state all summer long,” she said.

Farrell said the state finals will be held Aug. 20 and 21 in Glenrock.

Entries for the rodeo will be taken from 5-9 p.m. on Monday, July 25 by calling 307-921-0729, Farrell said.

“Local kids are welcome,” she said. “New members are always welcome, however, if you aren’t interested in becoming a WJRA member, you must provide a copy of your kiddo’s birth certificate to compete. Kids can only ‘hometown’ one rodeo a season.”

Farrell said admission for spectators is free.

“The kids love to hear the crowd cheer them on,” she said. “Concessions will be by the Risen Son Christian School. If you enjoy rodeo and watching kids compete, you will love this rodeo. Kids as young as 4 working their tails off to chase their dream of being rodeo superstars. This is where rodeo starts, in the youth arena. These kids are the future Wyoming rodeo stars.”

Champion belt buckles are awarded for two-day averages winners in each event and prizes are given for the all-around contestant in each division each day.

Farrell said local, former NFR bull rider Will Farrell will be putting on a free steer riding clinic for contestants at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29.

“He will go over fundamentals, equipment and basic technique,” she said. “Call and sign up when you enter the rodeo on Monday, July 25.”

For more information, call Shawna or Will Farrell at 307-921-9014 or 307-921-8437 or visit wjra.com.

WJRA is a non-profit youth rodeo organization whose goal is to ready kids for future rodeo endeavors, to develop a spirit of fair competition and appreciation of good sportsmanship.

There are three divisions in the WJRA rodeo: Peewee includes those 6 years and under. Junior includes 7-10 year-olds and Senior includes those aged 11-15. The Peewee group will participate in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tail tying. The Junior and Senior Girls will participate in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tail tying, breakaway roping and team roping. The Junior and Senior Boys will participate in goat and calf tying, breakaway roping, team roping and steer and bull riding.