102: This Rodeo’s for Young Cowpokes, Too!

By Meg Wall-Wild

Fun is on dazzling display at the Fortuna Rodeo Carnival from Tuesday to Sunday, July 11-16. A pint-sized cowboy tames his first mustang convertible, even if it is on a carousel. Even adult cowpokes squeal as the Zipper zooms around in all its lighted glory, and the Ferris wheel lifts couples far above the families at play. Cotton candy and games add to the fun. Buy a $35 all-day wristband so your little ones (and you) can ride the Super Slide again and again! Bring the whole bunkhouse along to Rohner Park from noon daily to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, closing at midnight Friday-Sunday.

On Tuesday, July 11, treat your kids to a Rodeo Week evening designed just for them at the Redwood Village Shopping Center (700 S. Fortuna Blvd.). The Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department hosts an evening of free children’s activities including the fun and delicious Cake and Candy Walk. Hit the entry boxes to win goodies from the Redwood Merchants Association. Keep the memories fresh with a Western-themed family photo. Those adorable tiny chaps they wore today will be too small for them tomorrow.

The Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department is the first responder of free family fun!

On Wednesday, July 12, the hometown heroes put on their annual Rodeo Street Games on Main Street from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fortuna’s littlest cowboys and cowgirls have been training for the Stick Horse Race. The Egg Toss is a nail-biter, but still leaves the scrambling to the Tony Johnston Penny Scramble

When tummies growl, the Eel River Valley Technical Rescue Team fills the family feedbag with hot dogs and hamburgers. The whippersnappers will need all their energy for the bounce house (after which they will sleep easy). Parental game guidance is needed for competitors 3 and under, but age groups 4-5, 6-7 and up ride tall in the saddle all on their own.

Want to make a 5 year old lose their mind with joy? Sit them down on Main Street on Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m. for the 102nd annual Fortuna Rodeo Week parade and wait for flashing fire trucks to roll by with sirens blaring. The parade has it all, from the Rodeo Queen and her royal court to the goofy Shriners cars whizzing about. The John Rice family of Fort Baker Ranch has the honor of leading the parade as Grand Marshals. Be sure to give them a hearty wave as they pass! ✪

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