Cowboys round up rodeo

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair continues tonight with the opening of the 65th annual Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo.

The 7 p.m. rodeo events begin the first of three days of cowboy action at the fairgrounds.

The Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo is a mainstay in the Grant County community, said former Moses Lake Roundup President Rob Weber.

“The rodeo itself is such a tradition,” he said. “The event started before the fair.”

Weber said the Moses Lake Roundup invites fans in attendance tonight to wear pink to the rodeo event.

“(Tonight) is Pink Night,” he said. “It’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink. We ask everyone to wear pink for breast cancer awareness.”

The rodeo events include saddle bronc riding, team roping and steer wrestling, Weber said.

The rodeo concludes each night with a fireworks show followed by the bull riding event, Weber said.

The Moses Lake Roundup is associated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit, Weber said.

“The rodeo is sanctioned with the (PRCA).” he said. “We put out more than $36,000 in prize money.”

Along with the cowboy participants this year is renowned rodeo clown and performer Keith Isley.

“Keith Isley will be performing,” Weber said. “He is from South Carolina and is a two-time PRCA clown of the year.”

After the rodeo concludes tonight, the Moses Lake Roundup will host a music and dancing event, Weber said.

“Following the rodeo we will have a party for the adults,” he said. “It’s the Last Chute Gate Beer Garden. This year’s theme is ‘Fiesta Night: Come and Shake Your Maracas’.”

The rodeo is an opportunity for the community to support the history of the Grant County Fair, Weber said.

“It is a great opportunity to enjoy the agricultural industry and the rodeo history of Moses Lake,” he said.

Weber said the rodeo is a friendly environment and supports the community. Weber said he encourages all Columbia Basin residents to attend.

“It’s right in our hometown community and represents the people who live here,” he said. “It’s a gathering of old friends and an opportunity to meet new ones.”

The rodeo continues nightly through Saturday evening.

Weber said the event is an excellent opportunity for Columbia Basin family entertainment.

“It’s a great family event,” he said. “It’s a tradition and an opportunity to enjoy great, exciting action.”