Three brave youngsters from the Merced area were treated like champions last Saturday as they made their way to the Boot Barn located inside the Marketplace at Merced.
The kids — Angel, Andrea and Melany — were paired off with adult members of the Merced Western Heritage Foundation and the Boot Barn staff and guided to a wide variety of western wear in the store.
It was all about getting the perfect outfit together so these children can shine at the PRCA Pro Rodeo on Saturday, June 13, at the Merced County Fair. There will be a special recognition and full VIP treatment just for them on that day.
This year, the Western Heritage Foundation is welcoming the Golden Circle of Champions to town. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The initiative uniquely bridges the professional rodeo community with families navigating the emotional and financial hardships of a childhood cancer diagnosis. It creates unforgettable experiences for the young champions who meet with rodeo athletes and receive encouragement, special gifts, and lasting memories.
Saturday’s shopping event was also part of the Western Heritage Foundation’s mission to “cherish the spirit of rodeo and work tirelessly to preserve its rich history” by supporting professional rodeo events and educational programs that keep western heritage alive for future generations.
For those looking to support the Western Heritage Foundation and the Golden Circle of Champions, they can do so by attending the Pre-Rodeo Kickoff event in Downtown Merced this Saturday, June 6.
“We’re going to have games down there for all the kids,” Kelly Aue said. “We’re going to have something called the ‘Running of the Bulls’ for the little ones. We also plan on having some professional ropers teaching the kids how to rope. We want these little kids to experience what the rodeo is about. The Sheriff’s Posse will be down there with their horses. We’re going to have as much as we can down there, but not only for the rodeo and the fair, but also to bring people to the local businesses on Main Street. We want to support those businesses too. Because our goal for our rodeo is to have the community involved in this. We want to bring our heritage back to Merced, and we want to include everybody.”
Merced Mayor Matt Serratto is on board with the effort, as well as Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke, who plans on bringing back some of the fun from the old Mercy Gulch Days that were once celebrated in Downtown Merced.
Don’t be surprised to see some scenes from the Old West play out during the festival.
