Vancouver Rodeo celebrates its 44th year

The Fourth of July weekend marks the 44th annual Vancouver Rodeo at the Clark County Saddle Club. Rodeo fans are encouraged by event organizers to come out July 2-5 to enjoy the action.

“It’s non-stop,’’ said Shannon McKinzie-Scott, committee member. “There’s never a moment when nothing’s going on.”

McKinzie-Scott said the Fourth of July is known as Cowboy Christmas. Cowboys will compete in seven or eight rodeos over the four-day period increasing their chances of winning more money with each venue.

The Vancouver Rodeo is known for high dollar payback. Through entry fees and sponsorships, organizers are able to give about $50,000 in prize money to competing cowboys and cowgirls, which makes the event a popular destination on the circuit. It’s so popular that about 450 cowboys from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and as far away as Canada and Australia will converge on the Clark County Saddle Club.

According to McKinzie-Scott, so long as a cowboy or cowgirl is part of the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association they are eligible to compete in more than 30 rodeos in Washington or Oregon. The top 15 then head to the finals, which are held in a different location the third weekend in September every year. Prineville, OR, will host the 2014 event.  Placement is determined by money won at local rodeos.

Events at the Vancouver Rodeo include Mutton Bustin,’ which is designed for boys and girls 8 years or younger. Riding atop a sheep, they’re able to test their cowboys skills to determine if they’ll play with the big boys some day. Timed events include Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Tie Down Roping and Breakaway Roping.

The big draws tend to be rough stock events that consist of Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding. Battle Ground bull rider Jake Suratt took the pot of nearly $3,500 home last year as the only competitor to go 8 seconds without being bucked off.

Vancouver Rodeo officials look forward to welcoming Suratt back to see if he can defend his title. Other area winners in 2013 were Serena Mote of Brush Prairie, who took first place in Barrel Racing and Shaun Roggenkamp of Battle Ground for Team Roping Header.

Rodeo clowns, side acts, pony rides and a petting zoo will also be part of the event to help entertain all ages of rodeo goers. Smokey the Bear will be also make daily appearances. New food booths with crowd-pleasing offerings such as pulled-pork sandwiches, yakisoba noodles, fresh fruit and diet-crushing, deep-fried Twinkies will also be available.

This year, one of the beer garden sponsors is Jack Daniels and, with the Vancouver Rodeo being a Ram rodeo, an array of Dodge trucks will be on display.

July 2, 3 and 5 will include evening performances, which begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m. The July 4 performance will begin at 1 p.m. with gates opening at 11:00 a.m.

“Our Fourth of July rodeo is a day performance so that people can come enjoy the rodeo and it’s over about 5 p.m.,” McKinzie-Scott said. “So, if people want to go home and barbeque or go down to the Fort, there’s plenty of time to do that and still enjoy the rodeo.”

After each evening rodeo performance there’s an all-ages dance inside the arena with DJ Glenn and a cowboy breakfast is served every morning from 8-11 a.m. Slack time will be during the Thursday and Saturday breakfasts. That’s a great opportunity to watch some top performers in timed events for free while enjoying pancakes and bacon served up by the Prairie High School Equestrian Team.

“Come out and have a good time,’’ McKinzie-Scott said. “If they’ve (attendees) got kids, it’s great. We’re family-oriented.”

The Clark County Saddle Club is located at 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver. For more information go to www.vancouverrodeo.com or call (360) 896-6654.