City of Industry - He's been called the world's best floreador (trick roper) and fans will get a chance to see Tomas Garcilazo up close when he performs his fascinating art at the 23rd Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, at the Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Avenue, City of Industry.
The 5-foot-5, 36-year-old native of Mexico City has astounded audiences from New York City's Broadway Theater to Los Angeles' Pantages Theater with his dynamic display of roping tricks for "The Will Rogers Follies." Will Rogers' son James stated: "Tomas is the best roper I've ever seen."
Garcilazo was raised in the family tradition of La Charreria, equestrian activities practiced by charros or cowboys that have evolved over 500 years into a national sport in Mexico.
At age 5, Garcilazo began learning floreo de reata (trick roping). This beautiful skill is performed by a charro who possesses exquisite control of the lariat and needs almost no set-up time to move from one trick to another. Garciloza glides, spinning a dazzling array of classic butterflies, merry-go-round, wedding rings, sky-high umbrellas and many more tricks during his roping routine.
Garciloazo has won many prestigious competitions, and is recognized as a champion all-around cowboy. He has also displayed his trick- roping talents on the concert stage, performing with singer Linda Ronstadt.
The Industry Hills Pro Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event. Gates open Saturday at 4 p.m., and families can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and clowns in a Western-theme atmosphere.
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 with free entertainment by Raining Horseshoes from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Rodeo starts at 2 p.m. Rodeo proceeds go to the Gabriel Foundation, which benefits as many
as 20,000 young people annually in the San Gabriel Valley who are mentally challenged, physically handicapped or come from disadvantaged or abusive homes.
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, $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 Avenue and go south to Temple and turn right (west), to the Center.
For more information or to purchase tickets call the Rodeo office at
(626) 961-6892 or visit www.industryhillsprorodeo.org |
