Locals gathered on the Fourth of July for the 71st Woodside Junior Rodeo, sponsored by the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County.
SLIDESHOW: Two young cowboys wait to compete at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photo by Lizzy Myers.
SLIDESHOW: Rebekah Witter enjoys the festivities at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photo by Lizzy Myers.
Along with traditional rodeo events, it featured pony rides, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull and a barbecue.
“Come out to support and cheer on a new generation of cowgirls, cowboys, and everyone in between for a day of rodeo action and western family activities!” organizers said before the event.
The grand entry procession featured the Mounted Patrol Color Guard, contestants and rodeo royalty from years past. Musician Sophia Claire performed the national anthem.
Maddison watches the JR Girls Pole Bending Competition at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside; Kids pet and play with farm animals at the petting zoo at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photos by Lizzy Myers.
Sofia Claire performs the National Anthem at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo while audience members sing along in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photos by Lizzy Myers.
Contestants practice and wait their turn to compete at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photos by Lizzy Myers.
Nicole sports her belt buckle at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo; All-American Dad at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photos by Lizzy Myers.
A Senior Girls Pole Bending contestant competes at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo; Anna Hall rides the mechanical bull at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photos by Lizzy Myers.
Ivorey Moffatt competes in the JR Girls Pole Bending (ages 11-13) at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photo by Lizzy Myers.
By Angela Swartz
By Angela Swartz
By Angela Swartz
Jr Rodeo contestants ride through the arena during the Grand Entry at the 71st annual Junior Rodeo in Woodside on July 4, 2023. Photo by Lizzy Myers.
Angela Swartz was The Almanac's editor from 2023 until 2025. She joined The Almanac as a reporter in 2018. She previously reported on youth and education, and the towns of Atherton, Portola Valley and...
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1 Comment
Be aware that nearly EVERY animal welfare organization on Planet Earth condemns rodeo for its inherent cruelty.
AND THIS: California Education Code 60042 mandates that “humane education and kindness to animals be taught in the public schools, K-12.” Most Jr. Rodeo events are a blatant violation of that mandate. Clearly, our school system is failing these impressionable young children, and animals are paying the price. LET YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS & TEACHERS HEAR FROM YOU! Jr. Rodeos need to end.
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Be aware that nearly EVERY animal welfare organization on Planet Earth condemns rodeo for its inherent cruelty.
AND THIS: California Education Code 60042 mandates that “humane education and kindness to animals be taught in the public schools, K-12.” Most Jr. Rodeo events are a blatant violation of that mandate. Clearly, our school system is failing these impressionable young children, and animals are paying the price. LET YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS & TEACHERS HEAR FROM YOU! Jr. Rodeos need to end.