Rope and ride at 49th Wauconda IPRA Championship Rodeo
The wild west is coming to Lake County. Enjoy shootouts, bull riding, roping, barbecues and more at the 49th Annual Wauconda IPRA Championship Rodeo.
The event runs Saturday, July 14, and Sunday, July 15. The gates open Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Golden Oaks Equestrian Center on Case Road and Route 12, with professional rodeo performances from 7 to 10 p.m.
Performances include a routine by the Midwest Renegade Equestrian Drill Team, along with six rodeo events: saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, steer roping and tie-down roping.
Guests can grab a drink in the Budweiser Beer Garden and listen to the music of What's Missing? a popular local band that will perform before and after Saturday's rodeo show.
The rodeo continues Sunday at 1 p.m. for a day filled with fun for the whole family. A free petting zoo and interactive kids' games will be featured, along with $2 pony rides, a $2 moonwalk, and mechanical bull rides.
Registration for a Kids' Jamboree will begin at 1 p.m. The first 150 registered children participate in interactive games and activities from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m., the IPRA Championship continues with the return of the Midwest Renegade Equestrian Drill Team and professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country that will roundup more competitive rodeo excitement.
Cost for the rodeo is $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5-11, and free for kids younger than 5. Parking is $6, with a coupon for a free car wash.
Rodeo guests will also find food and beverages from Three Amigas, Island Lake Dairy Queen, JJ Twig's Pizza & Pub, Bulldogs Grill, and Brother's BBQ available for purchase throughout the two-day event.
Souvenirs to remember the occasion will be sold in tents surrounding the event from local vendors, including Chiro One, Nicaboyne, Inc., What'z Your Bag?, Western Dreams, and Wauconda Lions Club.
Scheduled times and more information for these events can be viewed online at www.waucondarodeo.com. Advanced tickets are also available for purchase on the website and at Wauconda Community Bank, 495 W. Liberty St., until Thursday, July 12.