EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Just in time to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the riders who carried mail across the West on horseback, Eagle Mountain has added a rodeo to its annual Pony Express Days.
The May 27-31 event will be a full-fledged affair for all ages, certified with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and featuring professional competitors from Utah and across the nation.
"We're definitely hoping that it will be something exciting, that it will be something everyone in Utah County can enjoy," said Angie Ferre, Eagle Mountain's event coordinator.
The rodeo is being co-sponsored by the Westlake High School FFA and will feature PRCA events such as bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping and women's barrel racing. There will also be events for children, including mutton busting, a calf cash scramble, roping chutes and cowboy golf.
While several out-of-state competitors will participate, audiences should expect a great showing from some homegrown talent, said Rusty Allen, a professional saddle bronc rider and Eagle Mountain resident.
"There's a lot of great contestants from Utah," said Allen, who will serve as rodeo ambassador. "People will come from a little bit of everywhere, but there's a lot of talent right here."
The event will feature more than just old-fashioned Western entertainment, however. Mayor Heather Jackson will compete in the rodeo's barrel race for three Utah children with cancer. If Jackson finishes the race in 25 seconds or less, pledges will be collected and given to the children's families.
The rodeo will be a first for Eagle Mountain. Ferre said plans were originally made for a children's rodeo, but "we would have to put in the arena and bring in seating anyway," she said.
"We looked into finding out about what it took to get a PRCA certificate, and there wasn't much to it," Ferre said. "We decided, 'You know what? If we're going to do it, let's do it.' "
Much of the rodeo's cost was covered by donations from Eagle Mountain vendors and local businesses. The city events planning committee surpassed its goal of raising $100,000 for the event, resulting in a facility that Jackson said is "top-notch," and more than $69,000 worth of products were donated as prizes.
Ferre said the Eagle Mountain community is looking forward to the rodeo.
"We've had so many people stop by saying how excited they were about it coming here," she said.
Allen, who will compete in the rodeo, said he is excited about the event and hopes for a good turnout.
"It'd be a great way to spend Memorial Day weekend," he said.
For more information about the Pony Express Days PRCA Rodeo, including admission prices and ticket information, visit eaglemountaincity.org.
e-mail: jritter@desnews.com