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Cowpunchers Rodeo returns to Williams June 17-19

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The 38th annual Cowpunchers Reunion Rodeo returns to Williams June 17-19 at the Williams Rodeo Grounds, 800 Rodeo Road.

Rodeo performances start at 1 p.m. each day with gates opening at 11 a.m. Admission is $5, and those aged 10 and younger are free.

About 300 people are expected to compete in the rodeo events. While the majority of the competitors are from Arizona, some will also come from Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Carrie Gross, executive secretary of the Arizona Cowpunchers, said this rodeo isn't like other rodeos.

"It's completely a family event, we actually structure it for families," Gross said. "We have the ribbon roping for little girls and wives to compete, we have a 12 and under for little kids. Because most of these ranchers live way out, they don't get together with everybody very often. So they came up with the association so once a year everybody can get together."

Some of the highlights of the rodeo performances include ribbon roping, team roping, steer riding and wild horse racing, in which competitors saddle and ride a horse that has never been ridden before.

"In our bronc riding we actually use a cowboy saddle," Gross said. "It actually has a horn and is a working cattle saddle so it's different than the saddle that is used in the PRCA. For calf roping we don't tie on, it's actually dally calf roping. We don't use a neck rope or a horn knot. We actually dally which is different from the PRCA. It's way more challenging."

Another unique event is wild cow milking, in which one team member ropes the cow, another one holds the cow steady, and a third milks the cow.

Rounding out the events are gymkhana and dummy roping for youth.

"We have all girl roping and other types of roping events," Gross said.

Kids dummy roping will take place in the afternoon of June 18 in the arena.

Events will have cash prizes and competitors can win buckles and brush collars.

On June 17 and 18 a barn dance will take place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring the Garlin Hackney Band. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Calcutta Auction will take place June 18 that benefits the Cowpuncher's Crisis and Scholarship Funds. The Crisis Fund is an emergency fund for any cowboys who are injured at a ranch and need help with medical bills and other expenses. The Scholarship Fund is for new college students.

On Sunday at 9:30 a.m. a cowboy church service will take place in the grandstands. Everyone is welcome to attend.

On all three days vendors will be set up from about 10 a.m. until after the rodeo performances. Vendors will be selling food, jewelry, T-shirts and leather.

Gross encouraged the public to come out and attend the various rodeo events.

More information is available from Gross at (602) 510-4940.


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