It's rodeo time in the Platte Valley

For the 18th year, the Platte River Rodeo Association (PRRA) is putting on a rodeo at Buck Springs Arena east of Saratoga.

The Western Rodeo Association (WRA) sanctioned events and amateur events begin at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights.

A new event, which is a special bronc riding event sanctioned by the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association will be featured this year. The “Cowboy Up” event has contestants ride with a regular stock saddle, committee member Chuck Larsen said. So far, five contestants are signed up for the event.

The ever-popular bull riding event includes the awarding of the Vaun Savage Memorial Buckle. “Vaun was one of the original members of the PRRA Committee and was instrumental in getting the Saratoga Rodeo up and running,” Larsen said. Savage lost his life in a ranching accident several years ago. The committee honors his memory each year by alternating the memorial buckle to the winner of the rough stock events.

The PRRA added amateur events which will continue again this year. “We started the amateur rodeo last year in an effort to give local amateur contestants an opportunity to participate,” Larsen said. “The PRRA Committee felt was important that the amateur events offered the chance for our youth to participate … so, as we take the entries for these amateur events we are trying to insure that the younger contestants have an opportunity to compete during the main Friday and Saturday night performances.”

Mutton Bustin’ is back on the slate this year. Last year, the rodeo association did not have Mutton Bustin’ because of a lack of sheep. “We have sheep this year,” Larsen said.

Participants of the Mutton Bustin’ need to sign up at the arena, and it is on a first come first serve basis. The Mutton Bustin’ event is for children 4-7 years old.

The boot race includes children 4-8 years old and takes place before the barrel races. Children give up one of their boots or shoes and then race several feet to retrieve the boot/shoe, but it back on and race back to the finish line.

Admission to the rodeo is $7; children under 5 may enter for free.