Rodeo finals finish up Friday at Fairgrounds

Every June for the last 10 years the top High School Rodeo Athletes in California converge on the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds for their state finals.

The 2014 edition of this event has its final go Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m. Victors from the short go have the chance to compete at the National High School Rodeo finals later this summer in Rock Springs, Wyo.

All week long, 275 cowboys and cowgirls from all over the state have been competing in bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, pole-bending steer wrestling, goat tying, cutting and roping for the top honors in each event.

“This is an incredibly dedicated and talented group of athletes that give it their all every time they go into the arena. It is rodeo at its finest and exciting entertainment for the whole family,” stated Tri County Fairgrounds CEO Sally Symons. “We could’t be happier to host this great event, and are incredibly pleased that they have chosen to keep coming back at least through 2017.”

In addition to traditional rodeo events the contestants also compete in light rifle and trap shooting for state and national honors as well.

Informal events enjoyed by the contestants and their families while in Bishop include fishing derbies, golf tournaments, roping jackpots, and the Special Rodeo that they put on for special needs kids.

Friday night: State Queen coronation at 6 p.m. followed by the final performance of the week at 7 p.m.

Photos by Jack Lunch.