25thAnniversary Rodeoto HonorTibbs

By Joe Naiman

Rodeo fans will be treated to a special celebration this year, as the “25th Anniversary Ramona Rodeo: A Tribute to Casey Tibbs” honors the legendary rodeo cowboy and late Ramona resident who helped found the community’s rodeo.

Tibbs’ daughter and granddaughter are expected to be present at the rodeo May 20-22 at Fred Grand Arena, and other events will honor the cowboy who won a total of nine Rodeo Cowboys Association (now Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) championships.

“We are planning on having a museum of sorts set up on site with some of his memorabilia,” said rodeo chairwoman Julie Israels.

The rodeo committee, whose members wore red shirts in 2004, will wear purple shirts in 2005. “Casey’s favorite color was purple, so we’re all going to be in purple,” Israels said.

Tibbs was known for his purple cars, meaning that a purple Lincoln or Cadillac might be used during the festivities if one can be located and made available for the rodeo.

The first Ramona rodeo took place in 1980, six years after Tibbs became the director of Western activities for San Diego Country Estates.

Several features are new for the 25th anniversary rodeo:

• A “Casey Tibbs Shootout” on May 14, the weekend prior to the rodeo, will take place at the rodeo grounds. It will feature a mounted shooting competition sanctioned by the Single-Action Shooting Society, a cowboy re-enactors competition, and a country dance.

• The Barona golf course will be the site of the initial golf tournament in conjunction with the rodeo. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. on May 19.

• A farmers’ market has been inaugurated which will take place on the rodeo grounds each Wednesday throughout the year from 3 to 7 p.m.

“We’re trying to go bigger and better,” Israels said.

The rodeo will include $2,700 added prize money per event to complement the jackpot money derived from entry fees.

The rodeo will include three performances: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Sunday is designated as “Kids’ Day,” during which a child can be admitted free with a paid adult admission.

General admission tickets for the rodeo are $10 Friday and Saturday and $12 Sunday; preferred seating for the Saturday night performance is $15 per ticket.

The 25th anniversary festivities also include an attempt to have as many of the previous Ramona rodeo queens as possible in attendance. For more information go to www.ramonarodeo.com