Hang on tight

Casey Minton competes in the steer wrestling competition at the Russian River Rodeo in Duncans Mills (Christopher Chung/PD)

This weekend, Duncans Mills transforms from a quaint town to the epicenter of a rough ‘em up, bull slinging exhibition of professional cowboys breaking barriers and chasing cans.

View the gallery from past year’s rodeos

The Russian River Rodeo begins on Friday evening (June 22) with an open barrel race. Free to attend, the PeeWee riders start things off at 6:45 pm and are followed by youth, junior and senior events.

Saturday (June 23) and Sunday (June 24), the day begins at 7am-noon with an $8 Cowboy Breakfast of strawberry pancakes and all the fixings. After the 1pm opening ceremonies is a day filled with roping, barrel racing, jr steer riding, and daredevil antics on horseback. After the rodeo on Saturday, it’s only $10 to take part in the annual horseshoe tournament until dark.

All events are at the Bill Parmeter Field at the Russian River Rodeo Grounds, located at 23450 Moscow Rd, Duncans Mills. BBQ food will be for sale throughout the day. Admission to Saturday’s and Sunday’s events are $12 adults, $70 60+, and $5 12 & under. Discounted tickets are available at select merchants. Visit russianriverrodeo.org for more information.