Ready to rodeo!

This Friday and Saturday a glorious reminder of Hesperia's rich equestrian heritage will come to life as the Hesperia Recreation and Park District's 2009 Rodeo takes center stage at the Val Shearer Equestrian Center.

The event is family-friendly and filled with excitement and pageantry.

A pre-show at 6 p.m. will kick off the event with Jim Dillman welcoming the audience and introducing the activities. Featured pre-show entertainment includes the Hesperia Wrangler Drill Team, Gilbert Godina and Youth Group, and the ACR performing a drill on horseback.

Cal Camara, the park district's administrator, will introduce local dignitaries and Al Parsons, the voice of rodeo.

The 2009 Rodeo Queen will help lead the National Anthem and Rodeo Queens and contestants will make a dramatic entrance on horseback.

Following a park district flag ride, competitors will compete in steer wrestling. Then bareback riding will follow.

With the Hesperia Senior Rodeo Queen leading the way, visiting rodeo royalty, contestants and current royalty will gallop around the arena.

Then the competition will continue: tie-down roping, saddle bronc, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

The rodeo will take place on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th. The Rodeo performance will start at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. for the preshow events.

Val Shearer Equestrian Center is at 16292 Lime Street.

Tickets at the gate: Adults - $14; Children - $12; Children 5 and under - free.