[September 01, 2011] Special Kids' Rodeo is ready to kick off 11th year Tweet Sep 01, 2011 (The Hawk Eye - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- FORT MADISON -- Once again it will be possible for everybody who wants to experience the thrill of a rodeo event to do just that. The Tri-State Rodeo will sponsor the 11th annual Tri-State Special Kids' Rodeo Saturday at the Tri-State Rodeo Arena. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the rodeo starts at 10 a.m. The rodeo is open to all physically and mentally challenged children and adults. Rodeo committee member Sharon Orton said the idea came from a high school rodeo contest. "I got involved the first year we had it," Orton said. "We had three people involved, and one person had a son who was in a high school rodeo and had seen this at the finals of an event. That's what got it started." Orton said the Special Kids' Rodeo has grown tremendously through the years. "The very first year we had 13 participants," Orton said. "Last year we had 206." Orton said this year's numbers are about the same as last year's amount. Although preregistration is not at 200, last year there were more than 30 walk-ins. Orton said the events the rodeo riders will take part in include simulated saddle bronc riding, horseback rides, simulated barrel racing, goat tying, simulated calf roping and horse-drawn trolley rides. There also will be a petting zoo. Orton said just as in Special Olympics, there are no losers. "All contestants are winners," Orton said. "T-shirts and prizes will be given to all, and a picnic lunch will be provided for everyone at the event, including family and anyone else who comes with them." Orton said the Tri-State Rodeo gives all participants and volunteers a free ticket to the Wednesday night rodeo. Orton said there is no age cut-off. "We have quite a few adults," Orton said. "Last year, we had a baby that was months old. She was a Downs baby, and she had a great time." The majority of the people who watch the events are family members, but Orton said everyone is welcome. "It would be neater if we had a bigger audience," Orton said. "But families like to be there because they enjoy it." Rodeo participants usually come from a five-county area and even from Illinois. Orton said the rodeo will take place rain or shine. Orton said the committee always is looking for volunteers to help during the rodeo. Those wanting to take part also will receive T-shirts and a picnic lunch. For information, registration forms or to volunteer, call Lisa Wood at (319) 528-4439 or Sharon Orton at (319) 985-2478. ___ (c)2011 The Hawk Eye (Burlington, Iowa) Visit The Hawk Eye (Burlington, Iowa) at www.thehawkeye.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]