Rounding Up Kids

Sonora, CA — It is a 57-year- old tradition in the Mother Lode and Round-up officials say kids are the key to its longevity.  The Mother Lode Round-up takes over downtown Sonora this weekend with the Parade at 10 am tomorrow leading to the Rodeo at the fairgrounds. Round-up officials say it is a family event, but acknowledge fewer kids are being raised on ranches. To bring the families in they are adding more kid friendly attractions.

Sheriff’s Posse Member Ty Wivell says, “This year it’s Troy Lerwill ‘The Wild Child’ rodeo clown.  It is a little different because he does motorcycle stunts and jumps. We thought it might inspire the younger generations.”

Wivell adds in recent years they have reached out to the youth with the Kiddie Rodeo, which includes Mutton Busting, a Mini Calf Scramble, and boot and stick horse races.

Last night was the Calcutta at the Sheriff’s Posse Ground in Jamestown. Bidders spent $15,325 at the auction on teams entered in the Calf Scramble. Twenty-five percent or $3,831 of that money will go to the Posses’ Scholarship Program. That is a significant jump from the $9,950 raised at last years event.

Click here for the Round-up schedule of events.