Out of the Chute – Parada del Sol Rodeo

Are you up for some heartpounding fun?  The 57^th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo barrels out of the chute February 26-28 at Westworld in Scottsdale.

But wait, before you see Scottsdale’s version of the running of the bulls, consider taking part in the other events that lead up to the main show.

Ballet Folklorico Alegria Dancers

Parada del Sol means “walk in the sun.”  What a perfect name for a month-long celebration that takes place during the best time of year where we Phoenicians can be outdoors and really enjoy the warmth of the sun.

The festivities kick off with a reenactment of the Hashknife Pony Express where  riders brave weather, terrain and more obstacles on a 200-mile trek from Holbrook, Arizona to Scottsdale.  Members of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse pick up mail along the way and camp overnight in towns like Heber, Pine and Strawberry to deliver over 1,000 letters to the main post office in Old Town Scottsdale just like they did in the Old West. 

And what would a celebration be without a parade?  Marching down Scottsdale Road in Old Town, the Parada del Sol parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 20 at 10am.  The worlds largest horse drawn parade shows off nearly 1,000 horses, cowboys and cowgirls all gussied up, clowns, and marching bands.  The kids love this event and I have to admit that the horses are magnificent and the costumes on the riders are beautiful.  It’s just good ole’ fashioned small town fun.

Parada del Sol 2009 Queen

Cowboy Up! in Old Town Scottsdale
Dubbed the West’s Most Western Town, Scottsdale keeps the party going with the annual Trail’s End celebration.  After the parade wraps up make sure you hang around to enjoy live music, great shopping, food, cold beer and a Kids Zone.  Admission is free and the fun lasts till 5 pm.

For a taste of the real Old West, Cowboy Up! at one of the dive bars that attracts real cowboys sporting Wranglers, Stetsons and actual spurs.  The Rusty Spur Saloon, (map) the oldest saloon in Scottsdale, is full of Western charm with Western memorabilia covering the walls, a collection of license plates and thousands of dollar bills hanging from the ceiling.  Go for the live music and stay for the people watching.  The Rusty Spur always delivers a great time for visitors and locals.

Another dive bar high up on my list is Pattie’s 1st Avenue Lounge (map). Amidst the touristy boutiques of Old Town, Pattie’s is packed with upbeat, young barhoppers who are fond of shots, pool, shuffleboard and table tennis. It’s not the cleanest or fanciest place, but no one really seems to care. This intimate little joint is perfect for kicking back.

On With the Show
Thought by many to be the toughest sport on dirt, bull riding is unquestionably the rodeo’s most dangerous event.  Held annually in the Equidome at Westworld, the Parada del Sol Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo with performances consisting of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and everyone’s favorite – bull riding.

Lady Barrel Racer

For a sport whose main objective is to simply stay in place for a mere eight seconds, you’d think it would be a piece of cake.  Think again!  Once the bull rider gives his trademark nod, the gate is opened and the bull lunges out of the chute spinning, jumping, kicking, rearing and dropping.  It’s like your own personal roller coaster ride except you have no idea which way you’ll be tossed next.  It’s amazing the control that these cowboys exhibit while experiencing such jarring blows. 

Rodeo clowns, rodeo princesses and other entertainers keep the crowd engaged.  There’s so much going on that you don’t have time to be bored.  And I’m always fascinated how the cowgirls are just as tough as the cowboys and show’em up with their roping, riding and barrel racing finesse. 

As a city slicker I find rodeos to always deliver a great show of athleticism and heart.  It’s a very American sport that no one else can claim.  No bull!

WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale (map)
480-990-3179

Show Times:
February 26, 2010 – February 28, 2010
Friday, 7:00 PM
Saturday, 1:00 PM
Sunday, 2:00 PM

Tickets:
Parada del Sol Rodeo tickets range from $18 to $35 (plus surcharges) per session. Children under 2 are free. In general admission, one child (2-16) may enter free with a paid adult ticket, with additional general admission child tickets $10.  Order tickets online.

Photos courtesy of flickr.  Barrel Racing, Out of the Chute, Ballet Folklorico, Parada del Sol Queen