IPRA Championship Rodeo returns to Wauconda

The 52nd annual IPRA Championship Rodeo returns to Wauconda with two days of action as professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country compete in six rodeo events.

Sponsored by the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce, the rodeo is set for Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, at the Golden Oaks Equestrian Center on Case Road and Route 12, one mile north of Route 176.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday with pre-rodeo fun, including a mechanical bull, food booths, beer garden and merchandise vendors. On Sunday, gates open at 1 p.m. for "Family Day," with pre-rodeo festivities that feature a free petting zoo, $3 pony rides, a kids moonwalk and climbing wall. The five food booths will be open, as well as the beer garden, mechanical bull and all vendors.

Rodeo performances begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday and include routines by the Midwest Renegade Equestrian Drill Team, flashy trick riders and the rodeo clowns mixed in with the six rodeo events: saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, steer roping and tie-down roping.

Also, enjoy the live country music into the evening with Sixes and Sevens. The band will perform before and after the rodeo and briefly during intermission.

Rodeo tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-11. Children ages 4 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $7 per vehicle.

Advance discount rodeo tickets are available online at www.WaucondaAreaChamber.org. Advance discount tickets are also available at the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce office, 100 N. Main St., Wauconda; Wauconda Community Bank, 495 W. Liberty St., Wauconda; and Three Amigas, 450 W. Liberty St., Wauconda, through Monday, July 6.

For details, call (847) 526-5580.