LOS FRESNOS — There will be roping. There will be music. There will monkeys racing on dogs.
The 29th annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo begins today with three days of family friendly activities. It is held in conjunction with the Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show, where judging began Thursday.
Grupo Control will take the main stage this evening, and country singer Kevin Fowler will headline Saturday’s music performances.
The city’s biggest annual event isn’t just a boon to the local economy, City Manager Mark Milum said, but a chance to celebrate cowboy values and way of life.
“We do it for the love of our community,” he said. “Take your family and have good weekend.”
Rodeo events will begin 7:30 p.m. tonight at 500 East Ocean Blvd. as cowboys compete for $4,000 prizes in seven categories. Victories at the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo increase participants’ chances of qualifying for the national rodeo to be held in December in Las Vegas.
“It brings a lot to the town,” said Mike Todd, chairman of the rodeo committee.
The annual event attracts champion rodeo competitors and bullfighters, he said, but families also can make a day of the free events with only $5 for parking.
The rodeo will be preceded by the start of a carnival, arts and crafts activities, and local band concert series. It’s also the first year entertainment will include the Banana Derby, a show that features two capuchin monkey jockeys racing on dogs.
The Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo Parade will begin 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Los Fresnos City Hall, travel down Arroyo Boulevard and end at the Los Fresnos High School and Memorial Park.
