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• Photo by Mark Larson
• Jerryn Kilby, of Fortuna, won the Senior Polebending division in a thrilling race with a clean, fast run. The timed race is 21 feet from start to first pole and 21 feet between poles. No time for a broken pattern and a five-second penalty for each pole knocked down.

Nearly 200 boys and girls signed up for a chance to compete in seven age categories for saddles, plenty of buckles and cash prizes at the Fortuna Junior Rodeo at the rodeo grounds in Rohner Park earlier this month. When I asked rodeo competitors, “What event or events do you compete in?” the most common answer was, “All of them!”

It’s clear that many moms and dads raised their babies to be junior cowboys and cowgirls as they showed off incredible rodeo skills and horsemanship in 20 events spread over the two days.

The events kicked off on July 17 with the traditional Grand Entry just before 9 a.m. under the usual cool morning fog — a real climatic attraction in Fortuna for many participating families escaping the warm weather in their homes in the Central Valley or southern Oregon. By noon, the sun was shining and the 200-plus in the grandstand (admission was free this year) enjoyed the mild sunshine as they watched the action late into the afternoon.

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• Photo by Mark Larson
• Logan Cook of Santa Rosa was the only one of the three participants in the Bull Riding event to successfully complete an eight-second ride.

Many Junior Rodeo events differ from the traditional adult rodeo events held a few days later in Fortuna, to accommodate the size and skill levels of the youth — and to keep them safe (for example, helmets and protective vests are required for many events). All competitors were also required to wear a western hat or approved riding helmet, a long-sleeved western shirt (with collar and cuffs), and boots in the arena.

The July 17 events included Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Bareback Steer Riding, Saddle Bronc Steer Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Stopping, Heel O Matic Team Roping and Next Sled Breakaway. Thursday events included Breakaway, Barrel Racing, Single Stake, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Chute Dogging and the Hide Race. Pee Wee competitors (ages 2-6) competed in the Dummy Roping, Single Stake and Goat Ribbon Race events, with or without adult assistance.

Scott Thomas Custom Saddles were awarded to the seven all-around winners in each age group (Sr. Boy, Sr. Girl, Jr. Boy, Jr. Girl, Youth Boy, Youth Girl and Pee Wee). CSI saddle pads were awarded to the reserve all-around winner. Commemorative buckles were awarded to the first place winners in each event.

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• Photo by Mark Larson
• Adding a saddle did not necessarily make it easier to compete successfully in Saddle Bronc Steer competition.

Meanwhile, next door in the park, the Fortuna Rodeo Carnival was underway Tuesday through Sunday of Rodeo Week with rides and games. The Fortuna Rodeo Parade was held on Saturday on Main Street downtown with the theme Fortuna Rodeo 103: Celebrating America, Land of the Free! This year’s Grand Marshals were Doug and Marilyn Strehl.

The Fortuna Junior Rodeo bills itself as the largest Junior Rodeo in Northern California and is funded by many local sponsors from Humboldt County. Visit the Fortuna Junior Rodeo Facebook page for complete results, event rules and other information here: facebook.com/FORTUNAJRRODEO.