4-H rodeo kicks Thursday at fairgrounds

Rodeo contestants, families from across the state will compete this weekend at the 2017 Quay County 4-H Rodeo in Tucumcari.

Last year 51 contestants competed in events including barrels racing and poles, break-away and team roping and steer and bull riding.

The rodeo will be held at the Quay County Fairgrounds rodeo arena.

The rodeo begins 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Programs are $1.

Each night of the rodeo will be kicked off with the singing of the national anthem by local vocalists and the posting of the colors, said Brenda Bishop, county extension service program director.

Bishop said this year’s announcer will be Jaree Elliott who has years of experience hosting and announcing rodeos all over Eastern New Mexico. She said this year organizers are expecting more than 80 participants competing in four events a night.

Bishop said members of the Quay County 4-H and their parents will help with many activities and run a concession stand. She said this makes the rodeo a true family event as parents are working beside their children.

“In addition, we have over 25 volunteers that do not have kids in 4-H, who work hard to make the rodeo a success,” Bishop added.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to all of the volunteers, community donors, parents and youth who work so hard to make this rodeo great and help the 4-Hers earn money to go to distract, state, and national competitions,” Bishop said.