Junior rodeo, parade held in Potter Valley; more rodeo, BBQ today

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David Wells of Willits holds his own in the age 14 through 18 saddle bronc competition at the junior rodeo Saturday during the 66th annual Potter Valley Spring Festival and Rodeo.

Ukiah Daily Journal

Floats and parade participants decked in red, white and blue peace signs and tie-die kicked off the summer on Memorial Day weekend in Potter Valley, followed by an impressive display of young'uns calf-roping, bronc riding and mutton-bustin' at the town's rodeo grounds Saturday.

A "Red, White and Groovy" themed parade started the 66th annual Potter Valley Spring Festival and Rodeo Saturday with several floats and entries from area businesses. People lined the streets to watch rodeo royalty, past and present, ride by, along with classic cars, amid the floats.

Wood-cutting and ax-throwing competitions were held as the 2012 grand marshals and rodeo royalty were introduced, and while Stetsons covered hearts during the singing of the National Anthem before the competitions began.

The competitive events started with sheep riding, an event where young children find purchase in the animal's thick wool and hang on as long as they can while the small but tough sheep tries to buck them off, much like the calf riding, saddle bronc and bareback events that followed.

First place went to Emmasu Hawk of Blocksburg, with Garret Nunnemaker of Willits coming in second.

Children in age categories of 10 and younger, 11 through 13 and 14 through 18 competed in events that included pole bending -- similar to barrel racing -- calf riding and tie-down, breakaway, steer stopping, bareback riding and saddle bronc.

There was also an event for the 11 through 13

category where cowgirls holding mops atop their horses attempted to daub a loosed steer with orange paint.

The first boy out of the chute for the 10 and younger calf riding competition, Joel Slates of Potter Valley, fell off and was stepped on by the animal, bringing emergency medical technicians to the arena. The boy's arm was splinted and he left the ring on his feet.

Emily Mayo, residence undisclosed, also brought EMTs to the ring when she fell off her calf and was briefly caught and dragged. She also walked out of the ring after a brief pause in the events.

The 66th annual Potter Valley Spring Festival and Rodeo continues today, bright and early at 7 a.m. with a Cowboy Church with Pastor Tony Arnds, CCRPA and local rodeo slack at 8 a.m., noon barbecue and the CCRPA and local rodeo at 1 p.m., followed by lawn mower racing.

A Gymkhana and Play Day is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday at the rodeo grounds.

Tiffany Revelle can be reached at udjtr@pacific.net, on Twitter @TiffanyRevelle or at 468-3523.

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