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Rosewood Rodeo is ‘back in a big way’
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The wise and illustrious founding father Benjamin Franklin penned the quote, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Organizers of Rosewood Rodeo are getting ready to put those words to the test, in preparation for the annual therapeutic Rodeo. After a two-year hiatus, Rosewood Rodeo will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Great Bend Expo III Arena, located 2 miles west of 10th Street and Patton Road.

“The hiatus and setbacks only make us even more determined to host our 18th Annual Rosewood Rodeo this fall,” said Tammy Hammond, executive director of Rosewood Services. “Our therapy riders, staff and families are ready to move forward and keep our proud history going. Our Rodeo’s longevity speaks to the success of our horse therapy program and to the commitment of the program by our therapy staff, our riders, their families and our event volunteers. I am proud to say that the Rosewood Rodeo is back in a big way!” 

The annual rodeo is one of the most important days of the year for equine-therapy riders from Rosewood Services who practice their riding skills at Rosewood Ranch on a weekly basis throughout the year. The ranch is a full-working horse ranch near Pawnee Rock where people with developmental disabilities learn to ride and care for approximately 75 horses. 

Throughout the Rosewood Rodeo, families can experience children’s activities and games, and face painting. If weather permits, horse-drawn wagon rides around the fairground will also be available. It’s a come-and-go event for spectators, so people can choose the times they wish to attend. Reasonably priced Chuck Wagon Concessions are also available, which includes a pulled pork lunch.

In between the day’s rodeo events are two performances by the all-female “The American Dream” horse riding drill team. “The American Dream” will perform at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m., featuring two different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)

The 18th Annual Rosewood Rodeo’s grand entry and flag ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Then, throughout the day, therapeutic rodeo events will be held for Rosewood Services riders, including an event for children riders, followed by the award ceremony at approximately 3:30 p.m. 

During the rodeo, the public can participate in a silent auction, where you can expect to find excellent deals on merchandise, with all bids closing at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the auction go to Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation provides therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities. 

Plan to attend any or all of the day’s events while browsing tack-shop merchandise, which will be available throughout the day. 

Below is a listing of events slated for this year’s Rosewood Rodeo: 

— Kids’ Games and Activities, including Face Painting

— Horse Drawn Wagon Rides (weather permitting)

— “The American” Drill Team Performances

— Tack Shop with Novelties and Rosewood Client-Made Items

— Silent Auction

— Chuck Wagon Concessions 

— Three Rodeo Events by Rosewood Services Adult Riders

— One Rodeo Event by Rosewood Services Children Riders

— Staff Races

— Award Ceremony for Rodeo Participants