CMU Rodeo team launches family-friendly inaugural Rodeo Roundup kickoff party
On April 7 beginning at 5pm on The Plaza, the rodeo team will welcome the CMU and broader community to a family-friendly event with a live band, games and activities for kids, baby goats, food trucks, a mechanical bull and a beer garden for those 21 and over. Ashley Baller, Miss Rodeo Colorado, will also be in attendance.
The CMU Steer Stroll has been one of the more beloved traditions for the campus community and this year, it’s bigger and better and the whole town is invited.
“The CMU Steer Stroll was a tradition that got started to move cattle and horses across campus as a reminder that the rodeo is in town. This year we decided we are going to do a full-fledged kickoff party to celebrate our rodeo and our team and invite the entire community,” said CMU Head Rodeo Coach Branden Edwards.
Historically, the event has taken place mid day for students, faculty and staff to enjoy during the lunch passing period. This year, it’s a two-hour event with live music and games, a beer garden, food trucks and more.
“Right in the middle of all that we’re going to part the crowd like the Red Sea and pull the cattle and horses right between all of it,” added Edwards.
Elevating the role agriculture plays throughout the Rocky Mountain west and highlighting modern-day cowboy culture is one of the reasons the rodeo team wanted to build on an already treasured CMU tradition. The Steer Stroll is a demonstration of a time-honored ceremony where cowboys and cowgirls use their equestrian skills to move livestock from one place to the next. The other reason for the Rodeo Roundup is to celebrate the upcoming Maverick Stampede which takes place April 8 and 9 at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.
The Rodeo Roundup is free and open to the public. Stop by after class or work and celebrate the changing of seasons. For more information check out the event on the CMU Facebook page.