Kids ready for 48th junior rodeo

COLFAX — The Colfax junior rodeo is set to return to the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. Events start at 10 a.m. each day.

All events take place both days, with each contestant choosing one day to participate in their respective event. Contests include, bull riding and calf roping for seniors (ages 15-18); bareback riding chute dogging for intermediate (ages 12-14); barrel racing and goat tying for juniors (agges 9-11); Calf riding and dummy roping for PeeWee (8 and under); goat tail untying and mutton bustin’ for little people (5 and under); among others.

Chelsey Startin, an organizer of the rodeo, said this year will be much like years previous.

“It will be all the same events we’ve been doing,” Startin said. “Events will run both days, but each person can enter one day and awards are combined for the weekend. So, if someone barrel races on Saturday, and a Sunday person beasts them, the Sunday person wins.”

Awards this year include first-place buckles, and cash is given for second and third place for all age groups in all events. A saddle will be awarded for all-around cowboy and all-around cowgirl in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups. A custom stirrup set will be given to the best PeeWee boy or girl.

Startin said there are several returning winners from last year’s rodeo entered to compete this year. About 170 cowboys and cowgirls have signed up, an increase from about 150 last year.

Aside from the arena entertainment, there will be food and coffee shop vendors on site.

As a staple of the Colfax community to help kick off the summer, this year’s junior rodeo looks to be a successful weekend of roping and riding.