Roundup to feature top cowboys

MOSES LAKE - Some of the top cowboys from around the country are scheduled to make an appearance at the 69th annual Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo from Aug. 16-18 at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

"We have lot of quality riders, ropers, wrestlers and barrel racers taking part in the competition," said Doug Rathbone, director of the Columbia Basin Rodeo Association. "Some will come from as far away as California and Texas. We've even had folks from North Carolina and Florida participate in past years."

Those attending the roundup are sure to be on the edge of their seats. They will be treated to three days of thrilling bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down roping and barrel racing.

Cowboys will be competing for points that may help them qualify for an opportunity to participate in the Wrangler National Finals in Las Vegas, Nev. in December.

Also scheduled to appear are the McMillian Trick Riders from Soap Lake.

"They are a group of pretty talented 7 to 10 year-olds who'll be performing at intermission of the rodeo," said Trish Beckner, office manager for the Roundup. "They are expected to display their skills at approximately 8:45."

Beckner said an event called "Slack" will take place Friday morning, Aug. 17 following an early morning breakfast that is free to the public from 6 to 8 a.m.

"We often have too many ropers and barrel racers sign up for rodeo, so the Slack event is designed to give the spill-over ropers and racers a venue in which to perform," Beckner said. "And on Saturday, the Miss Rodeo Washington coronation will take place after the team roping event."

Rodeo action gets started at 7:30 p.m. each night. Advanced tickets for adults are $13. Tickets at the gate are $15. Admission for children ages 7 to 9 is $5, and kids 6 and under get in free.

Rodeo and demo derby tickets can also be purchased at the downtown rodeo office at 1036 West Broadway Avenue. Tickets can also be purchased on line a www.moseslakeroundup.com.

For more information, contact the rodeo office at (509) 765-8311 or (509) 765-6393.