'Biggest little pro rodeo' set this weekend

It's going to get wild in Stonyford this weekend.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to ride into the small foothill community in Colusa County, when the "biggest little pro rodeo in the west" gets underway on Friday.

Bull riders, steer wrestlers and calf ropers are expected to provide all the thrills and spills of the wild west, when the Stony Creek Horsemen's Association opens the gates on Saturday and Sunday for the 69th annual event.

"The spirit that attracted people to Stonyford years ago is just as successful today," said Stony Creek Horseman President Sandy Corbin. "Once again, the rodeo is going to be a great event."

The rodeo includes both pro and amateur events such as bull riding, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, women's barrel racing and the ever popular Mutton Busting.

Stonyford Rodeo weekend officially begins with barrel racing at the Stonyford rodeo grounds on Friday, followed by dancing at the Timberline Bar & Grill.

The annual rodeo breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday morning will be provided this year by Indian Valley firefighters at the Stonyford Fire Hall, Corbin said.

The main event on Saturday includes the parade beginning at 10 a.m., which will proceed from Indian Valley Elementary School to the rodeo grounds.

Parade entries include the sheriff's posse and junior posse, Elk Creek 4-H, and the popular Corkhill Wild Bunch.

This year's theme is "Wild Stonyford Days," said Kellie Wilson, first year parade director.

Wilson will be taking entries into the parade up until the time the parade gets underway.

"We encourage anyone who wants to participate to come on up," she said.

A highlight of the parade is the presentation of the Flag of Heroes, to honor the firefighters killed after terrorists flew two airplanes into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

This year's Grand Marshals are Glenn "Spike" and Gail Richardson, who are being honored for the many contributions they have made to the Stony Creek Horsemen's Association and the Stonyford community.

The Richardsons have a combined total of four sons, three daughters, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Spike Richardson was born on Mother's Day, May 12, 1929, in Capay Valley. He ranched for Cliff Garrison in Indian Valley, for Matt Keegan in Bear Valley and for Pat Ahearn at Rancho Louis.

He's been roping at the Stonyford Rodeo since the 1950s.

After settling in the community in 1993, Gail Richarson quickly offered her financial and bookkeeping skills, and has served as treasurer for the Stony Creek Horsemen's Association for the past 15 years.

Wilson said the Richardsons have been dedicated to the community and it is a thrill to have them serve as Grand Marshals in the parade.

After Stonyford visitors spend time visiting the vendor booths along the parade route, the 69th Stonyford Rodeo will get underway at 1 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday with the grand entry of Rodeo Queen Emily Rath and her court.

John Growney, of Growney Brothers Rodeo Co., provides stock for the rodeo.

Don Jesser will announce the events.

"Punkin Town" specialty act and arena clown, another big hit with spectators, is also back at the rodeo this year.

Wilson, who lives in Elk Creek and has been a member of the Stony Creek Housemen's Association for only three years, said the rodeo is the biggest and most important event for the Stonyford community.

"It's something people look forward to every year," she said.

Saturday night will be a non-alcohol dance at the Stonyford Fire Hall and will include a DJ and karoake.

Rodeo Sunday will include 10 a.m. worship services at the Stonyford Community Church.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 934-6800 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.