Rodeo kicks off in Moses Lake Thursday

Three nights of rodeo performances

MOSES LAKE — Rodeo action begins Thursday night at the Grant County Fairgrounds in the rodeo arena.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, the fairgrounds is hosting the 64th Annual Moses Lake Roundup.

Thursday is the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night.

Attendees can wear their pink attire to support breast cancer patients, Columbia Basin Rodeo Association member Rob Weber said.

Pink bandanas are available for $2 and proceeds benefit the Moses Lake Cancer Foundation.

Each rodeo night kicks off with the Ultimate Cowboy Challenge.

The timed challenge involves teams attempting to do cowboy chores while competing for belt buckles, he said.

People can expect all the traditional activities including bull riding, bareback horse riding, saddle horse riding, team roping, steer wresting, barrel racing and tie down roping.

Each night concludes with the Last Chute Gate, Weber said.

The free event has a Hawaiian luau theme and people are encouraged to dress accordingly, he said.

The One-Armed Bandit, also known as John Payne is the rodeo's featured specialty act.

His performance involves leading buffalo to the top of a horse trailer, Weber said.

Keith Isley is the featured clown act.

Isley was named Clown of the Year in 2006.

On Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the fairgrounds are hosting the Old Days of Wines.

People can sip various wines and foods native to Washington, he said.

Tickets to the wine event are $35.

Tickets to the rodeo are $12 in advance for adults or $15 at the gate. Tickets for children six years old through nine years old are $5 and children under six-years-old get in free.

For ticket information call 509-765-8311.