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On the Fourth of July Toppenish, Washington turns back the clock and the murals painted along city streets come to life. Since 1933 the American Cowboy has preserved the history of the original American sport in Toppenish with the annual Pow Wow and Rodeo. Once just another small town in Eastern Washington, Toppenish has become known for the only Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo in Washington held on the Fourth of July. It has also gained national honors as one of the "Prettiest Painted Places" in the United States. Sixty-three murals painted on the gallery of city walls, celebrate the spirit of the rodeo and the old west in this proud agricultural community.
Barb Moses, President of the Toppenish Rodeo Association is the first female president to serve more than one term in this all-volunteer organization. "I love rodeo, I love community and I love Toppenish" said Moses. "I believe in what Toppenish stands for and what it can become". That's what gives this second grade teacher at Kirkwood Elementary impetus and drive to volunteer the time and energy required to preserve the history of Rodeo in Toppenish and give its youth a future.
The Pow Wow and Rodeo are the featured events of this huge four-day celebration that takes participants on a trip back into history. It is a multi-cultural family event celebrating the Yakama Indian Nation, the American cowboy and Hispanic migrant families, all vital contributors to this community. The PRCA sanctioned rodeo, featured July 4, 5 and 6 at 7 pm, draws cowboys from thousands of miles to compete. In 2002, over 350 contestants, including some of the Top 10 cowboys and cowgirls in each event, took a total of $17,500 in cash prizes. A total of 7,500 spectators attended.
The Yakama Indian Nation helps to host the weekend celebration featuring an Indian village complete with approximately 30 teepees. A ceremonial dinner of traditional fare allows all celebrants to experience the tastes of early cuisine including salmon, elk, deer, berries and roots. There will also be competitive dances and drumming, along with games for the kids.
On Sunday afternoon, July 6, ZORRO radio partners with Toppenish Pow Wow and Rodeo to present a Mexican fiesta. It's a celebration of Mexican music and dance with outstanding musical performances by some of Mexico's hottest groups.
Barb is excited about some of the changes this year. The stock contractor for 2003 is the Frank Beard Rodeo Company. Frank is a native of Toppenish and he's coming back home, but this time with his #1 rough stock. Frank is known in rodeo circles for his award-winning stock, some of which have received prestigious awards including the Columbia River Circuit Saddle Bronc or Bareback Horse of the Year. "This is bound to attract some of the top PRCA rodeo contestants for the weekend," according to Moses. The Fourth of July weekend, also known as "Cowboy Christmas", is the highest paying weekend in PRCA Rodeo.
Rounding out the slate of weekend activities are events guaranteed to capture the interest of the entire family. There are carnival rides and midway games, an old-fashioned barn dance featuring the Buckaroo Blues Band cranking up hot country tunes for the adult crowd, and spectacular fireworks displays. Shows with The Sierra Nevada Guns for Hire, a troupe of Western reenactors, brings the West to life with shoot-outs, stagecoach robberies and skits. The Big Air Extreme Show features motorcycle riders sailing off ramps 70 feet apart, thrilling crowds with stunts straight from the X-Games. If that's too intense for you, tour the famous Toppenish murals in a horse-drawn Conestoga wagon.
Toppenish Pow Wow and Rodeo provides an excellent opportunity for equine enthusiasts to see first-hand the horse's contribution, not only in the old West, but today as well. The skills required of early cowboys provide the foundation for rodeo events such as calf-roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding and bareback bronc riding.
This year is a great year to celebrate the spirit of America and the West with the proud community of Toppenish, Washington, "Where the Old West Still Lives" July 3-6, 2003.
TICKETS Grounds Admission is Free with purchase of rodeo ticket
RODEO TICKETS
TICKET INFORMATION:
Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 3
Friday, July 4
Saturday, July 5
Sunday, July 6 - Free, No admission Charge
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