High Desert Rodeo prepares to kick up dirt at Victorville fairgrounds
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Excitement is brewing as High Desert Rodeo officials begin preparing the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds for the group’s dirt stomping show and concert in September.
Rodeo organizer Shannon Finch, the owner of Double F Cattle Co., recently met with the Daily Press at the dirt field in front of the grandstands at the fairgrounds in Victorville.
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Part of Finch’s team was rodeo and livestock veterans, including longtime High Desert native and businessman, Lee Graham.
“Today, we’re measuring out the arena location and type of dirt work we need to perform to have perfect footing for the rodeo,” said the cowboy-hat-wearing Finch. “We’ll need to do some heavy grading, bring in some soil for the horses, and set up the arena.”
The rodeo will feature the Hesperia Wranglers and will also include bull riding, team roping, multi-age barrel racing, chute dogging, ranch broncs, mutton busting, calf roping, and multi-age breakaway, organizers said.
“We have a lot of local contestants, so people should come out and see their friends,” said Finch, who served as the stock contractor for the annual Hesperia Days event over the last 45 years.
Southern Spirit band
"Vendors and surprises” are scheduled to appear on both days, said Finch, who was born in Apple Valley in 1971 and is a lifetime member of the agriculture community.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, a post-rodeo concert will feature Southern Spirit, a High Desert-based country music band that has been a West Coast favorite for over 30 years.
Over the decades, Southern Spirit has played everywhere from the Crazy Horse in Orange County and the Branding Iron in San Bernardino to the former Cocky Bull in Victorville.
The band has also opened for country stars such as Martina McBride, Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith and more.
According to Southern Spirit, the band’s sound is an eclectic mix of rock, country, blues and jazz. The band performs mostly cover tunes but does throw in an original on occasion.
Finch said he and his rodeo team appreciates the support they've received from the community, the Hesperia Wranglers and their rodeo queens, and their many sponsors.
Two rodeos, one weekend
The Hesperia Recreation and Park District and Hesperia Wranglers parted ways for this year's rodeo, with each group hosting showdowns on Sept. 19 and 20, the Daily Press reported.
While High Desert Rodeo performers show off at the Victorville fairgrounds, the Jaripeo Rodeo is scheduled during the annual Hesperia Days event at Hesperia Lake.
High Desert Rodeo times, tickets
Gates open at 3 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Southern Spirit band will perform following the rodeo. Rodeo officials said Saturday’s rodeo is the cancer-awareness “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night.
Gates open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Sunday is “Patriotic Night,” where visitors are encouraged to wear red, white and blue clothing.
For tickets, parking and more information, visit sbcfair.com, eventbrite.com, or doublefcattle-tfcub.wpcomstaging.com.
Tickets are also available at Graham Equipment/Graham Rock & Sand in Victorville, and at the Feed Barn in Phelan.
For vendors and sponsorships, email [email protected].
The San Bernardino County Fairgrounds is located at 14800 7th St. in Victorville.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: High Desert Rodeo prepares to kick up dirt at Victorville fairgrounds