Visitors and riders can expect noticeable improvements to the grounds at this year’s San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo.
The 81st annual event is scheduled for June 27 through June 29 at Bolado Park and continues its tradition of restricting competitions to local residents or those who have competed but moved in recent years. Preliminary events are continuing this coming weekend with the memorial roping, while the Saddle Horse Parade is once again set for 6 p.m. June 26, the Thursday before the rodeo begins.
“It’s pretty much the same as in past years,” said John Barrett, president of the Saddle Horse Association.
Although the event is built on tradition, this year’s gathering may be defined by two significant changes – to the quality of dirt in the track and arena and to the sound system.
Those improvements came thanks to the Heritage Foundation, individual donors and assessments on the box seating areas, said the man in his third year as president of the group.
“They’re doing improvements to the park all the time,” Barrett said from his McKinnon Lumber store in downtown Hollister.
He said while the arena has a new sound system, the dirt on the track and arena includes a new soil mix.
“This will cut down on the dust,” Barrett said.
For a full list of events, go to http://sanbenitocountyrodeo.com/schedule.html.
