Russian River Rodeo marks 50th year of tough traditions

A half century ago, rodeo bull riders weren’t serenaded with the lyrics of “We will, we will rock you.”

But the 1970s Queen anthem, played over loudspeakers during Saturday’s 50th annual Russian River Rodeo, was followed by what hasn’t changed over the decades, namely the explosive ability of a three-quarter-ton animal to send a cowboy careening to earth.

On the event’s second session Saturday, a half-dozen contestants all failed to stay atop their bulls until the buzzer sounded. At least three riders went down right out of the gate as the horned monsters violently snapped, bucked and twisted their torsos upon entering the dirt arena.

Even so, the crowd applauded afterward, and several said the Duncans Mills rodeo had once more been a hit.

“It’s just a great family day out,” said Donna Schulz of Occidental, a regular attendee.

The two-day rodeo remains a look back to Wild West traditions and a place where today’s cowboys and cowgirls gather for competition and camaraderie. The event continues today, with opening ceremonies at 1 p.m.

Both the rodeo’s contestants and the show’s livestock provider agree that the local Russian River Rodeo Association continues to bring together a stalwart group of volunteers that put on the event and other activities during the summer.

“That’s why they’ve made it 50 years,” said Kendra Gomez, a barrel racer from Petaluma.

Gomez and her husband, Tony, a team roping contestant, were at their horse trailer Saturday afternoon, watching their 2-year-old son Austin rope his own horned steer dummy.

Gomez noted the region has relatively few such gatherings anymore, making this rodeo all the more special.

“People from all over the North Coast come down for this one,” she said.

This year’s Russian River Rodeo Queen, Jordan Wathen of Petaluma, credited Gomez with teaching her barrel racing.

Wathen will be competing today in the session for local riders. A Santa Rosa Junior College criminal justice student, Wathen considers the Duncans Mills rodeo grounds home turf and has enjoyed the association’s “Play Days,” when beginners and old hands alike turn out to test and hone their skills. Such gatherings have helped introduce her to the local rodeo community.

“Everybody’s super welcoming out here,” she said.

West Coast Rodeo of Fortuna and Ferndale provided the livestock and management for the weekend event. Owners Mike Mora and Lou Bugenig said the Russian River association gathers plenty of local help.

“What makes this one different is it’s so easy to put this on,” Bugenig said. The association’s leaders “treat you like they want you here.”