Pre-Rodeo week kicks off Saturday

Special kids and adults

We usually have at least 250 contestants participate and we have about 200 volunteers to show up and help us with this great event.”

Lisa Wood, chairwoman Special Kids Rodeo

FORT MADISON – The annual Pre-Rodeo events kick off this weekend with a pancake breakfast in the shelter house and then the annual Special Kids Rodeo Saturday at the Tri-State Rodeo grounds in Fort Madison.
Lisa Wood is once again the chairwoman of the Saturday morning event featuring 100s of special kids and adults, and almost as many volunteers.
The event starts with registration and check-in at 8:30 at the north end of the Rodeo Arena and is open to all physically and mentally challenged kids and adults.
“We usually have at least 250 contestants participate and we have about 200 volunteers to show up and help us with this great event,” Wood said.
“The event is totally free for all participants, their families, and anyone who would like to come and watch.”
The Rodeo, held rain or shine, will begin at 10 a.m. and includes the following events: simulated bronc, bull, and calf roping, simulated barrel racing and horseback riding. There is also live horseback riding, horsedrawn trolley rides, a mechanical bull, face painting, a petting zoo, goat tying, and bouncy barrel racing.
T-shirts and prizes are awarded to all participants and a picnic lunch will be provided for everyone at the event. For more information or to register contact Wood at 319-528-4438 or Sharon Orton at 319-759-7492.
Also on Saturday is the Fareway Pancake Breakfast with volunteers serving breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the large shelter house next to the arena. A button is required for entry.
The YMCA Rodeo Stampede 5K is also Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. More information is available at www.fortmadisony.org.
Pre-Rodeo week continues with Sunday’s Fareway Chili Supper beginning at 5 p.m. with serving until 7 p.m. at the shelter. Dinner is included with the purchase of commemorative button.
Monday is a full day at the arena with the Lil’ Spurs Rodeo beginning at 10 a.m. A rodeo button is required for entry, and then the Hy-Vee Pork Dinner begins serving at 5 p.m. with the Lil’ Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy pageant starting at 6:30 in the south end stands of the rodeo arena. This year’s pageant features 20 contestants in both events. Buttons are required for entry to all Monday events.
Tuesday wraps up Pre-Rodeo week with Pee Wee Barrel Racing at the Saddle Club Arena beginning at 5:30 p.m. Buttons are required for entry.