By Ken Francis, Staff Writer

 

The Silver Bullet Saddle Club is hosting its 39th Annual Clearwater Rodeo Aug. 17-19 at the Silver Bullet Saddle Club Arena on Co. Rd. 7 in Clearwater Twp. 

 

The rodeo is one of the most anticipated family-friendly events in the Clearwater area, often drawing crowds up to 5,000 during the three-day spectacle. 

 

People of all ages get to watch rodeo competitors from all over the Midwest give it their all at  bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. 

 

Kids also take part in the action during intermissions with the calf ribbon contest for kids up to 12 and the mutton busting competition for kids 5-7. Those events are some of the most entertaining moments of the rodeo, with spectators lining the fences to watch the kids chase down a calf or try to ride a sheep. 

 

Kids can also take pony rides, sponsored by the Clear Lake Lions.

 

The cook shack, located behind the stands, is open all during the rodeo. So is the beer garden, sponsored by the Clearwater Lions.  And there are lots of vendors selling western gear,  collectibles and rodeo souvenirs. 

 

The action begins Friday evening at 7 p.m. Following the rodeo is the rodeo dance, with musical entertainment provided at Stone Road.

 

Saturday’s action begins with a barbecue supper ($9) at 4 p.m., followed by rodeo action beginning at 6 p.m. The rodeo dance, featuring Rusted Revolver, follows all the action. 

 

Sunday begins with a cowboy church service at 10 a.m. with live music. Rodeo action begins at 2 p.m.  

 

Sunday is also Kids Day, with a $3 admission for kids 12 & under which includes a free hot dog and a chance in a raffle drawing. There is also a petting zoo for the kids on Sunday.

 

Advance tickets (adults $12, seniors & kids up to 12 ($6) are available at most Clearwater stores, Clear Lake Farmers Elevator, Clear Lake Amoco, Boot Shack and Boot Barn in St. Cloud as well as Cash Wise and Coborn’s. 

 

Gate prices are $15 for adults and $7 for seniors and kids up to 12. Kids four and under get in free. 

 

For more information,  call 320-743-4618 or check their website: www.silverbulletsaddleclub.com.