Entries sought for 25th Annual Tri State Rodeo Lil’ Spurs

BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - The 25th Annual Lil’ Spurs Rodeo will be held on Monday, September 4th at the Tri State Rodeo grounds in Fort Madison.

The annual event is for children, 3 - 14, and includes Mutton Bustin’ Calf Riding, Stick Horse Barrel Racing, Goat Tail Tie, Greased Pig Contest and Calf Scramble.

The event is sponsored annually by Shottenkirk Automotive Group, Kempker’s True Value and Just Ask Rental, Fort Madison Community Hospital and Pepsi.

Pre-Registration is required. Forms are due by Monday August 28th. Online registration only and forms can be found at www.tristaterodeo.org.

Check in time for pre-registered contestants will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Rodeo Pavilion, at the north end of the rodeo grounds, on Monday September 4th. Each pre-registered contestant will receive a free t-shirt. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The event has grown significantly each year with over 300 contestants and a crowd of over 1,500 people. Admission to Lil’ Spurs Rodeo is the cost of a $5.00 rodeo button. Buttons are on sale now at Fort Madison area businesses, the Tri State Rodeo ticket office, and the day of the Lil’ Spurs Rodeo at the gates.

The favorite of the spectators is the Mutton Bustin’ event for children ages 3-8 and less than 55 pounds. Contestants will show their talent by hanging on and riding a sheep for six seconds. This event is judged and the top 18-rated cowpokes will be invited back to ride again during Tri-State Rodeo performances, Thursday – Saturday with the contestant receiving the highest score each performance winning a silver buckle.

Also, for the younger cowpokes, is the Stick Horse Barrel Race. This is a timed event for children ages 3-6, they will use stick horses (provided by the rodeo) and run their ponies through a mini barrel pattern. The fastest time in each age group wins a silver buckle.

The calf riding event is for children 8-14 and is also a timed and judged event. This event is divided into two age groups 8-11 and 12-14. The finals for this event will take place on Monday immediately after the Lil’ Spurs Rodeo and the winner of each age group will receive a buckle.

The Goat Tail Tie contest is for ages 7-9 and the contestant will begin from a starting line and tie a ribbon around the goat’s tail, vying for the fastest time and a buckle.

There are two events which always entertain the crowd. The Greased Pig Contest for ages 6-14 divided in age groups 6-8, 9-10, and ages 11-14. The Calf Scramble for ages 9-14 and is divided in age groups 9-11 and 12-14. Each age group winner will receive a buckle.

For more information call Scott Fedler at 319-470-2120 or Heather Wellman at 319-371-7768.