Open Ranch Rodeo Saddles Up at Morongo

Ranch-style calf roping, barrel racing, and other Western events drew hundreds of spectators to the third annual Open Ranch Rodeo on Oct. 2-3 at the Morongo Indian Reservation in Cabazon.

The two-day, free event also included bull-riding, open team roping and Calcutta, as well as a delicious frybread competition and a live band Saturday night.

“Our annual rodeo is always an action-packed event that’s fun for the whole family,” said Morongo Tribal Council member Brian Lugo, chairman of the event. “For Morongo, the rodeo is a chance to celebrate our tribe’s past and to share our cultural heritage with visitors. It also provides a great venue for positive competition among ropers and riders of all ages.”

The 2015 Open Ranch Rodeo kicked off Friday Oct. 2 with opening ceremonies and an entertaining assortment of riding events. The fast-paced action continued Saturday Oct. 3 with rodeo competitions, craft booths, team roping and numerous other events.

The rodeo is sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Cultural Heritage Program.