Crowd favorite performances return to the Ritzville Rodeo

Attendees of the two Ritzville Rodeo performances this weekend can expect to see family favorite performances returning the arena: the McMillan Family Trick Riders and Ranch Bronc riding.

The Ranch Bronc riding competition quickly rode into the hearts of local spectators during last year’s rodeo. The unique element of the contest is the riders are farm hands and cowboys set atop some of the most well known rodeo stock in the arena.

While the Ritzville Rodeo is a Pro-West Rodeo Association sanctioned event, the Ranch Bronc riding does not fall into the regular set of events.

The most common and popular rodeo events include saddle bronc, bull riding, bareback, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

All of these fan favorite events will also fill the arena during the Friday and Saturday night performances.

The Ranch Bronc competitors must be employed on a ranch in order to be eligible for the competition. This unique twist on saddle bronc and bareback events allows cowboys to hold on with two hands while using regular working saddles.

The contest is quickly growing in popularity, and many individuals turned out to the evening shows last year to watch local cowboys try their hand at mastering the event. This year is expected to attract more ranch hands, and many from the surrounding area.

Also making a warm welcome back to the Ritzville Rodeo Arena are the McMillan Trick Riders. Unlike any family ever seen before, this group of trick riders puts on a performance rodeo attendees are not soon to forget.

The family includes the parents and 10 children, ranging in ages from four to 20. The group performing at rodeos this summer range in age from five to 15, and each child brings a unique trick and charisma to the act.

All of the McMillan children are active in rodeo and ranching, and they have worked to train the horses they ride on themselves. The McMillans serve as the contracting rodeo company for the Ritzville Rodeo.

Their daredevil feats on horseback cause moments of surprise and are sure to leave ticket holders on the edge of their seats as the family races around the arena performing stunts.

The rodeo action kicks off on Friday night at 7 p.m., followed by a second performance on Saturday, also at 7 p.m. Community members are encouraged to buy tickets early and pack the stands to watch two nights of quality, heart racing rodeo entertainment.