The Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 55th annual IPRA Championship Wauconda Rodeo Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, at the Golden Oaks Equestrian Center, at Case and Rand roads in Wauconda.
Both days feature pre-rodeo entertainment including a mechanical bull, food booths, beer garden and merchandise vendors.
On Saturday, the gates open for preshow entertainment at 5 p.m., with rodeo competition starting at 7 p.m. The rodeo will include routines by the MidWest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team, trick riders, rodeo clowns, and six competitive events: Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Cowgirl Barrel Racing, Steer Roping and Tie-Down Roping. Live bands will perform before and after the rodeo.
Sunday is Family Day. Gates open at noon, with a free petting zoo, $3 pony rides and a kids moonwalk added to the preshow activities. The rodeo begins at 2 p.m., with another performance by the MidWest Renegades Equestrian Drill Team, along with specialty acts and professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country.
Tickets for the rodeo are $15 for adults, $6 for children at the gate. Children under 4 are free. Parking is $7 per vehicle.
The day before the rodeo, Friday, July 13, the event grounds will also host the third annual Badges vs. Bad Guys Charity Boxing Event. The gates open at 6 p.m. and fights pitting “average Joes” against local politicians, police officers, firefighters and more start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, with VIP packages available.
For details and tickets, visit www.waucondarodeo.com or www.waucondachamber.org, or call the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce, at (847) 526-5580.