New aluminum seating at the Stonyford Rodeo grounds were installed by the Stony Creek Horsemen's during their first workday on Sunday, March 4 in preparation for the 2018 rodeo May 5-6.
First workday held for 2018 Stonyford Rodeo
The old wooden seating at the Stonyford Rodeo grounds are a thing of the past.
As a homegrown organization that uses only volunteer talent to put on the annual Stonyford Rodeo, the Stony Creek Horsemen's Association had its first workday on Sunday, March 4.
This year, spectators at the 75th Stonyford Rodeo May 5-6 will see more grandstands that have transformed from wooden seating to aluminum.
"The job began last year with one of the three sections being completed," said spokesman Roy Stewart in a press release. "This year, the second section will be completed."
Replacing the worn wooden planks used for seating in the grandstands has been a frequent, almost yearly, task for the association's volunteer workers. In 2017, the association was able to acquire aluminum seating, at no cost, from association member Mike Smudde.
Smudde was new to Stonyford in 2013 and helped in the "Big Move" of chute and gates from the north end to the south end of the arena.
"After he learned of the problems with the grandstand seating, he thought he may be able help," Stewart said. "Sure enough, he could."
In 2016, Smudde's company was contracted to remove still-serviceable-aluminum seating from a stadium in San Diego and replace it with new seating.
Smudde then hauled this used seating to Stonyford, provided the tools, and taught workers how to install it.
"This very valuable donation helped the association mightily," Stewart said. "Lacking (his help), the association would have been stuck with replacing worn wooden seating yearly, since they could not otherwise afford going to aluminum seating."
Tickets for the rodeo are available now at the horsemen's website www.stonycreekhorsemen.org or can be purchased at various locations: Stonyford General Store, Stonyford; Carl's Feed, Willows; Boot Barn, Chico, Anderson & Yuba City; Bucke's Feed & Grain, Orland; Marie's Lakeshore Feed, Clearlake; Rainbow Ag, Lakeport; Ace Hardware, Arbuckle; AgriSource (Parts Dept.), Maxwell; and Hust Bros., Colusa (formerly, Colusa Motor Sales).
Pre-rodeo tickets purchased online or from any of the businesses listed above are $10 for adults and $6 for children 7-12 years and older; children six years old and under are free. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 and $7.
"So get 'em early and save money," Stewart said. ■