Lakeside Rodeo annul event supports youth and draws large crowds

LAKESIDE, Calif. — The Lakeside Rodeo showcases various events from bareback riding to barrel racing and breakaway roping. Organized by the El Capitan Stadium Association, the event not only entertains attendees but proceeds also benefit local youth.

“We try and grow with the sport and it is exponential every year,” said Tim Armstrong, president of the El Capitan Rodeo Association.

The rodeo has been a staple in the Lakeside community. 

“The reason why we started the rodeo 61 years ago was to support the youth of Lakeside,” Janae Wallace, Mrs. Rodeo California, said. “It was truly a fundraising event for the football stadium that we have right behind us and we’re carrying on that tradition.”

Many families attended the event, including East County resident Danielle Stangl, who brought her children to the rodeo for the first time. Her son Owen participated in the stick horse race. 

“The Lakeside rodeo is such a staple piece of East County and it’s such a wonderful place to gather with your family and your children and it’s celebrating the community and the horses,” Stangl said.

The arena, which seats approximately 6,200 people, was packed Friday.

“Tonight we’re a sold out crowd as well as tomorrow,” Jennifer McGrath, contract secretary and co-rodeo chairman for Lakeside Rodeo, said. “We also just built this new cattleman’s lounge up here. So this is also part of the growth of the El Capitan stadium association.”

The Lakeside Rodeo continues Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit lakesiderodeo.com