LAKEPORT, Calif. – Organizers are putting the final touches on preparations for the 90th annual Lake County Rodeo.

The event will take place on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport, 401 Martin St.

Gates open at 5 p.m. both days, with the rodeo starting at 6 p.m.

Events include bareback bronc riding, bareback riding, barrels, bull riding, calf roping, local barrels, local team roping, mutton bustin, steer wrestling and team roping. The rodeo is sanctioned by the California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association.

This year’s rodeo is being dedicated to the memory of Quincy Andrus, an accomplished Kelseyville horsewoman, medical professional, wife, mother of three daughters and grandmother who died in April.

In addition to riding, Andrus also enjoyed driving, and could often be seen driving her Belgian along Clark Drive and Gaddy Lane near her home.

The Lake County Rodeo Association said it is very proud to dedicate the 90th annual Lake County Rodeo to Andrus, “a quiet, beautiful, behind-the-scenes treasure of Lake County.”

The association also announced that it has named Kelseyville resident Johnny Jones as this year’s grand marshal.

Jones, a Lake County native, has been a practicing farrier for 42 years, is a trainer and riding instructor and a mentor to young people.

He’s dedicated to the sport of rodeo, judging high school, college, open and CCPRA rodeos, and having been president of the California High School Rodeo Association as well as a board member of the Lake County Rodeo Association.

This year’s rodeo will once again feature popular contests for children, including the Cutest Lil’ Cowpoke competition, which takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday and the mutton bustin’, set for both days from 6 to 7 p.m.

Winners for each contest will receive silver buckles. Applications for both contests are available online at www.lakecountyrodeo.com and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at Vista Point in Lakeport.

The Cutest Cowpoke Competition is open to boys and girls, ages 3 to 8. The deadline to enter is Friday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. All participants should arrive at the Rodeo on Friday, no later than 5:15 p.m. to check in at the Rodeo office.

Children are encouraged to dress rodeo style, but no live props are allowed. For more information call 707-245-7431.

For mutton bustin’, the competition is open to boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, who weigh in on those dates at no more than 50 pounds. Contestants should check in at the rodeo office no later than 5:15 p.m. on the day of their ride.

The entry fee is $10 per child – which does not include rodeo admission. Participants should be dressed in long sleeve shirts and jeans, sturdy boots or shoes, with a properly sized helmet. Every rider will be given an authentic mutton bustin’ tee shirt. Winner's buckles will be awarded Friday and Saturday night to the youngsters who have the longest ride of the night.

For questions concerning the mutton bustin' competition, contact Chair Angel Purdy at 707-536-7257.

Admission prices for Friday are $9 for adults and $6 for seniors; the Saturday ticket prices, which include the Saturday night dance, are $13 for adults and $9 for seniors. Children age 12 and under may attend for free on both days when accompanied by a paid adult or senior.

For more information visit https://www.lakecountyrodeo.com/ .

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.