CLEVELAND — After six months of prepping, organizers are putting the final touches on this weekend’s third-annual Cleveland rodeo.
Sharon Livengood, co-founder and organizer of the event, said the event nearly doubled in size last year. She hopes to continue the growth.
After a popular nearby rodeo in Woodleaf closed about 10 years ago, Livengood said they created the event to return the country atmosphere to the western end of the county.
“We just knew the community really liked the rodeo over there and supported it and missed it so we thought we’d bring it back,” Livengood said.
Last year’s event drew about 1,500 people each night, according to Livengood.
The rodeo will be held June 28th and 29th with the gates opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m.
Livengood said many of the popular events, including bull riding, calf roping and the buddy pick-up riding — where a stationary friend is helped onto a passing horse and rider.
But some new twists are expected, too.
A professional rodeo clown is slated this year in place of a trick riding event.
The rodeo’s introduction is also expected to be a bit different, with a ‘How the West was Won’-style intro.
“It’s a tribute to our country,” Livengood said of the new start.
More than 300 contestants registered for bull-riding — the perennial highlight — barrel racing and other popular events.
“We try to keep our other events just as interesting and entertaining,” Livengood said.
The event is held at 875 Redmon Road in Cleveland.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids 6- to 13-years-old and free for anyone under 6.
Vendors will be available for food and drinks.
Other children’s activities will include face painting and bouncy houses.