Indian Cowboy Rodeo Ropes in Big Crowds at Morongo

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of The Morongo Band of Mission Indians:

Ranch-style calf roping, barrel racing, branding and other Western-style events drew hundreds of spectators to the second annual Indian Cowboy Rodeo on Oct. 3-5 at the Morongo Indian Reservation in Banning.

The free weekend event also included a fry-bread competition, roping contests, steer riding and a youth gymkhana.

“This was a wildly successful sequel to last year’s popular debut rodeo,” said Morongo Tribal Council member Brian Lugo, chairman of the event. “It was three days of action-packed, family-friendly fun – and we’re already hearing from folks looking forward to next year’s rodeo.”

Lugo noted that the rodeo provides an opportunity for Morongo to share its rich cultural heritage with visitors while also providing a venue for positive competition among Native American ropers and riders of all ages.

“The Indian Cowboy Rodeo is not only a chance to celebrate our past but it also provides a bridge that connects generations and families,” Lugo said.

The 2014 Indian Cowboy Rodeo kicked off Friday, Oct. 3, with opening ceremonies and an entertaining assortment of youth riding events. The action continued Saturday and Sunday with all-Indian rodeo competitions, craft booths, team roping and numerous other events.

The Indian Cowboy Rodeo was sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Program.