As a way to build up momentum for the upcoming pro rodeo at the Merced County Fair, the Merced Western Heritage Foundation took over Bob Hart Square in Downtown Merced last Saturday for a fun and family-oriented kickoff celebration.
“We want to encourage the livelihood and the continuation of the cowboy lifestyle and the rodeo community,” said Juanita Ellington, the captain of the Sheriff Posse. “I think this is a great event. It’s a good start, being that it’s the first PRCA Rodeo. … My very favorite part of the rodeo is probably the mutton bustin — that’s always fun. This gets the kids excited and goes on to encourage them to do other events as they get older.”
Lots of fun, western-styled vendors set up in the town square for the festival, selling custom hats, boots, buckles and more. On top of that, the Merced Sheriff’s Posse was in attendance, and some lucky little ones were able to take a seat on some of the horses for a nice photo op. But the clear highlight of the festivities was the youth roping competition, which gathered bunches of skilled little ones who showed off their lasso skills, with the top few earning cash rewards and commemorative belt buckles.
The Merced Western Days Rodeo (PRCA Rodeo) will be held this coming Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, in the Merced Fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. each night. The rodeo will be filled with a list of exciting events, including Mutton Busting, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and Breakaway Roping.
“I absolutely love it!” said Sheriff Vern Warnke. “Years ago, we had a Western event right here in this very spot, and it was also to kick off the fair, but now we’re re-energized with the Merced Western Heritage Foundation. It’s an honor to bring it back. And, I’m excited for my grandsons to have a good time, and we’re hoping that everything goes well.
“What I am most looking forward to is for folks to get introduced to something that has been our heritage. I’m wanting them to get introduced to this and embrace the culture because, you know, folks eat — they like to eat, they like their hamburgers, and they like all the stuff — and they have a tendency to forget where it came from. So, I’m hoping that they embrace this, and learn about the agricultural and Western days.”
This little boy had a fantastic time atop the sheriff’s horse.
A long-range shot hits the spot.
There was a line of eager little ones waiting their turn to rope the steer dummy.
Sheriff Vern Warnke speaks to those in attendance after being named the Grand Marshal of the pro rodeo that’s coming to town this week.
Sheriff Warnke was seen enjoying the company of the other event organizers.
The Merced Sheriff’s Posse were in attendance dressed for the occasion.
Bob Hart Square was filled with fun western styled vendors selling custom hats, boots, buckles and more.