‘Mexican Rodeo’ Rides Through Twin Cities

The Southwest Washington Fairgrounds transformed on Saturday into a day of celebration as the Gran Jaripeo, or the Mexican rodeo, came into town for its annual visit.

Some of the toughest rodeo competitors took to the dusty arena adorned in intricate sombreros and three-piece suits.

On Saturday, competitors from as far as California came to try their luck in the skill-based competitions, putting their bravery to the test. The event was filled with energy as bull riders took to the bulls with a lack of padding and helmets, attempting to stay on the bucking animal as long as possible. Other competitors competed in coleadero, an event where riders have to subdue a calf by riding alongside it on horseback and grabbing its tail.

The fast-paced events were a crowd favorite as the stands filled with eager viewers.

The event was unlike the typical rodeo witnessed by many during the fair, and was not for the faint of heart as riders risked it all with minimal protection to get the ride of their lives.

Mexican music filled the grounds as four bands from Mexico helped provide the crowds with entertainment and commentary.

Organizer Antonio Lopez said a Mexican rodeo is quite different from one typically seen in the area. The one-day event is always held on Labor Day Weekend, and he has hopes to expand it in the future.

The family-friendly event typically draws in anywhere from 500 to 1,000 attendees.

Once the competitions wrapped up and the cowboys iced their injuries, a dance began at 7 p.m. and lasted until midnight. As people took to the arena to dance, even the horses were paraded around in an event called dressage where horses are trained to dance to music as a rider guides the prancing animal around.

“We’re trying to make it traditional for people and we want to keep doing it every year,” Lopez said. “Everyone has fun.”