When the dust cleared from the Poway Rodeo’s 51st year, between 11,000 and 12,000 spectators had attended the two-day event.
With the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association finals fast approaching, the Poway Rodeo typically attracts some big rodeo names each year, as contestants hope to increase their scores before the end of the 2024 season.
“As always, a big thank you goes out to our sponsors, patrons and volunteers who help make this rodeo one of the most successful in the country,” said Murray Bankhead, Poway Rodeo chair. “It’s always particularly gratifying to me because it is put on entirely by volunteers.”
Held Sept. 27 and 28, one performance was on Friday night, one on Saturday afternoon and the final event on Saturday evening. Both the evening events were sold out.
This year’s rodeo featured saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, barrel and junior barrel racing, tie-down, team and breakaway roping and steer wrestling.
Mutton busting — in which children, usually under the age of 12, attempt to ride a sheep — was also a widely anticipated event, as both boy and girl riders participated.
During the Saturday afternoon performance, a custom adapted bike was presented to a lucky recipient.
Bankhead said the rodeo ed two important organizations helping children as a result of the community’s generosity.
Sam’s Posse, an organization creating inclusive activities for individuals of all abilities, teamed with the Poway Rodeo to provide the custom adapted bike to Brielle Mazloff through their Fund-A-Bike event.
Sam’s Posse also hosted the kid’s Round-Up Rodeo, a free adapted rodeo, complete with Smokey Bear, during the weekend.
The Golden Circle of Champions, an organization raising funds to help children with childhood cancer, made it possible for Zoey Magallanes, 12, of Desert Hot Springs, and her family to attend the Poway Rodeo, but will also provide them with a paid trip to attend the National Finals Rodeo in December.
Zoey also sang the National Anthem on Saturday night.
“For more than 50 years, the Poway Rodeo has been an important part of the community and we look forward to the next 50 years of and charitable giving,” Bankhead said.
To see the final placings, visit: https://prorodeo.com/schedule/2024/poway-rodeo/15307/daysheet.
The Poway Rodeo takes place annually at the Poway Valley Riders Association Arena, 14336 Tierra Bonita Road.
