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Rodeo action returns to Manteca-Lathrop
Ropin on the River set for Saturday & Sunday
GECAC PROMO1-5-21-11
Meredith Payne, left, and Carol Davis who serves as chief executive officer for Give Every Child a Chance display T-shirts available at this weekends Ropin on the River rodeo. The T-shirts are $15 for adult sizes and $12 for youth sizes. - photo by HIME ROMERO

It’s been over 15 years since a rodeo last graced the Sandy Plains of Manteca-Lathrop.

Back then Cowboy Cummins ran the Manteca Pro Rodeo on grounds right about where Bass Pro Shops are today. The rodeo packed the stands due to competitive action provided by up and coming cowboy athletes.

Rodeo returns to the area this Saturday and Sunday for the Ropin’ on the River event at the popular Dell’Osso Farms in Lathrop just off Interstate 5 at the edge of the San Joaquin River.

There is no charge for parking or admission to the grounds that  offers plenty of stuff to do free and otherwise.

You still have to pay to get into the California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association event. Given it is a small arena this year with only 2,500 tickets and the fact the CCPRA is making this one of the few double point rodeos for competitors the action will be worth the admission at $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-12, and $15 for seniors. The rodeo is a benefit for the free tutoring programs of Give Every Child a Chance.

But there are still a lot of things to see and enjoy before going into the arena. Family entertainment features vendor and concession booths; Cowboy Church on Sunday, June 5, at 10 a.m.; Clydesdale Exposition; pony rides; souvenir shopping in the Country Store,; and Dell’Osso Family Farm signature attractions such as the zip lines and petting zoo.

An old-fashioned western family barbecue is the featured event on Saturday, June 4, starting at 11 a.m. The Knights of Columbus will be serving pulled pork BBQ sandwich, home-style potato salad, corn on the cob, drink and dessert.  The cost of the barbecue is $25 for a family of four, or $8 per ticket. 

There will be a special guest appearance from former Manteca resident Ted Nuce who won the 1985 PRCA World Championship Bull Rider and is a Ring of Honor inductee.

The rodeo offers opening ceremonies, bull riding, bronc riding, and timed roping events.  Winners will be presented a cash prize and/or a buckle. There will be two youth events as well -  junior barrel racing for youth 12 and under and Mutton Bustin’, for youth 3 to 6 or under 60 pounds.