City of Industry – Tickets are on sale for the 24th Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo at the Industry Hills Expo Center, at 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. Top performers of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will compete for $32,000 in prize money.
Special entertainers at this year’s Pro Rodeo include top floreador (trick rope artist) Tomas Garcilazo of Mexico City, introduced at an early age to his family heritage and tradition of “La Charreria,” a skill performed by generations through the Mexican Charro. Garcilazo has devoted his life to sharing Mexico’s National Sport La Charreria with the world and has even introduced his son Thomas to the sport. Thomas has been performing off and on since he was 5, sometimes preferring to play with his toys off to the side. He is now 9.
Rodeo clown Brian Potter has been performing as a clown and bull fighting for 10 years, and has been involved with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for six years. “I pride myself as being a hard worker. I demonstrate my work effort by staying in the arena as much as possible. I like to get the crown involved,” Potter says.
Rodeo proceeds go to The Gabriel Foundation, which benefits as many as 10,000 young people in the San Gabriel Valley who are mentally challenged, physically handicapped or come from disadvantaged or abusive homes. Since its inception in 1985, the Gabriel Foundation has contributed more than $1,618,000 to various charities dealing with disadvantaged youth. The Industry Hills Pro Rodeo is the Foundation’s annual fundraiser and over $140,000 was donated last year with proceeds from the 2008 Rodeo.
Cowboys and cowgirls will compete for prizes in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, calf and team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and best all-around. Participants will also be competing to qualify for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. At last year's Industry Hills event, 156 PRCA and Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) member contestants competed; 2 were ranked in the top 15 in the nation, and 1 was a world champion.
Gates open Saturday at 4 p.m., and families can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, clowns, food and retail vendors selling Western-theme items. Food and beverage concessions will be available. The Rodeo begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Rodeo Dance at 8 p.m. with music by Raining Horseshoes. Dance tickets are $5. Music, entertainment and dancing will continue through midnight. Gates open at noon on Sunday and the Rodeo starts at 2 p.m.
The Expo Center has a covered arena and grandstand that sports an electronic scoreboard, lighting fixtures, speakers, and a misting system for very hot days. Open on all sides, the arena allows expansive views of the city and hillsides while making year-round activities even more enjoyable.
The Industry Manufacturers Council is the major sponsor for the rodeo. The Council is Industry's Chamber of Commerce, and more than 150 businesses are generous sponsors who contribute to the event’s success.
Rodeo tickets are $15 for adults (includes parking), $10 for seniors 60 years and up, $6 for children 3-11 years old and $5 per person for the Rodeo Dance. To reach the Expo Center, exit the 60 Freeway at Azusa and head north to Temple. Turn left (west), for the Center. Or, exit the 10 Freeway at Azusa Ave. and go south to Temple and turn right (west), to the Center.
For more information, or to purchase tickets: HYPERLINK "http://www.industryhillsprorodeo.org" www.industryhillsprorodeo.org or call the Rodeo office at (626) 961-6892.