Coarsegold rodeo to return in rival events faceoff

The Coarsegold Rodeo Assocation may not host its namesake event next weekend, but that doesn’t mean the show won’t go on. Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds and area volunteers will host the yearly tradition May 5-7.

Confusingly, that means the new rodeo will take place on the same days as the former organizer’s new rodeo-free Gold Rush Days at Coarsegold Historical Village, 35300 Highway 41. Entry to the rival festivities will be free, but parking will be $3 to benefit Yosemite High School Football Boosters.

Those seeking rowdy livestock and cowpokes will need to head instead to the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds, 44777 Rodeo Grounds Lane. Admission will be $15 for those 13 and older, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for anyone younger.

Established in 1974, the rodeo grounds were taken on by new owners, father and son Keven and tanner Tweed, in 2016, according to Sierra News Online. The rodeo assocation put on its regular rodeo there in 2016, but on Jan. 31 announced a “new direction” – raising funds for grants and scholarships with a non-rodeo event at a less costly venue. The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds stepped in with the help of volunteers to organize a rodeo of its own.

The rodeo kicks off 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday with educational Heritage Days for area students. Saturday begins California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Assocation’s events with slack and Exceptional Kids Rodeo at 10 a.m., gate opening at 3:30 p.m., mutton busting at 5 p.m., grand entry and rodeo at 6 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. dancing to the Larry Keyes Band. Sunday starts with Cowboy Church and Breakfast at 9 a.m., gate opening at 11:30 a.m., crowning of rodeo royalty at noon, mutton busting at 12:30 p.m. and grand entry and rodeo at 1:30 p.m.

For information on the Coarsegold rodeo, visit www.cgrodeogrounds.com online. For information on Gold Rush Days, visit www.coarsegoldgoldrushdays.com.