Mason’s annual Rodeo and Roundup festivities got underway Thursday night with two events that brought out spectators and participants to enjoy them .
First was the return of the annual Mason Jackass races, sponsored by the Mason County Chamber of Commerce. Once a part of the annaul Roundup Pararde on Saturday morning, the Jackass Races had disappeared for a rew years. It was brought back this year with a new location — the Rodeo Arena at Fort Mason Park.
With four donkeys and 11 participants, the group entertained the crowd with their efforts to coax reluctant animals to move, much less run. Ultimately, the winners accomplished their task by leading (or, rather, dragging) their animal across the finish line.
The second half of the nights’ activities featured the Mason County Team Roping Championship. That event brought out a large number of contestants to vie for the right to compete in the Championship finals during the Saturday night Rodeo performance.
The group of contestants came together for a group photo before the competition began Thursday night.
The Mason Roundup and Rodeo activities continue Friday night with a full-fleged Rodeo, complete with a return performance by famed Rodeo clown, Leon Coffee. The rodeo performances will be followed by a dance on the Slab with the Grupo Cruzsante band.
Saturday festivieis will begin with a special Flag Raising Ceremony on the Courthouse Square at 9:30am.
At 10am, the Roundup Parade will get started on its annual trip around the Mason Courthouse Square.
Following the parade, the festivites will be centered on the Courthouse Square where upwards of 80 vendors will be on hand for the enjoyment and entertainment of what is always a big crowd.
At 3:00pm, the Odeon Theater will host a Talent Contest.
Then, its back to the Fort Mason Park Rodeo area at 7pm for the sencond, and final, night of Rodeo that will be followed by a dance on the Dance Slab with the Ryan Ross Band.
(KNEL-TV will be there with live video coverage of the Friday and Saturday nigh Rodeo performances, and the Saturday morning Flag Raising and Parade. Tune it in through the KNELRadio.com website, on ROKU, YouTube and on KNEL’s Facebok page. )
