WILLITS FRONTIER DAYS EVENTS - CCPRA RODEOS

The California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association is a group of top-ranked cowgirls and cowboys who participate on a circuit of professional-grade rodeos throughout the state.

The contestants participate in eight events; bareback, saddle bronc, team roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding hoping to win the coveted All-Around title. After the points from all the events are tallied, the cowgirl and cowboy with the highest cumulative scores win the title, coordinating engraved buckle created at Outlaw Saddlery, a wad of cold hard cash and bragging rights for the duration of the year.

The livestock for the events, the bulls, broncs and horned-alike -- 'rodeo stock' as they are referred to in the trade -- are provided by Humboldt County's Lou Bugenig of West Coast Rodeos. Known throughout the state as premiere stock contractors, West Coast bulls and broncs give the boys a challenge to hang on to, and the steer and calves try to give the ladies a run for their money.

In addition to the eight CCPRA rodeo events, cowboys and cowgirls from Lake, Mendocino and Humboldt counties can compete in local team roping events as well. Trophy buckles, also engraved by Outlaw Saddlery, are awarded to the top scoring Header and Heeler.