Goshen Stampede returns to fairgrounds

GOSHEN: The Goshen Stampede returns to the Goshen Fairgrounds this weekend, from Friday through Sunday, June 16-18. Professional rodeos will be featured Saturday and Sunday, with special events including Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, and Barrel Racing. The Connecticut Blue Seal Feed Store will be presenting the Trick Riders and the Trixie Chick Trick Riders, coming all the way from Missouri to Show off their fast moving gymnastics on galloping horses. A three-day music festival will feature “The LACs”, fusing the unlikely combination of Southern rap and Southern rock, the group created their own brand of country hip-hop, which they affectionately dubbed “hick-hop.” Hailing from Baxley, Georgia, they are coming north to share their charm. Special guests are Nashville Drive, DJ Backwoods, as well as many bands on the Country 92.5 Stage. The WZBG Kids Rodeo, always a crowd favorite, has children compete in Mutton Busting (sheep riding), as well

as other kid-themed rodeo events, Saturday at 2 p.m. the main rodeo arena.

More than 400 horse and rider combinations will compete for prize money that exceeded $26,000 in 2016. Amateur riders will compete in the largest Gymkhana horse games ever held in New England on Saturday. Pee wee to professional riders will be competing in what has become the biggest Barrel Race on Friday. There will also be great food, vendors, carnival rides, and a free petting zoo. For discounts, details, directions, and entry information go to: www.goshenstampede. com Veterans are always admitted free with proper military I.D. Adults are $16 at the gate, Youth 10 to 17 years are $12 at the gate, children 9 and under are free with a coupon from goshenstampede.com when accompanied by a paid adult.

Goshen Fairgrounds are located at 116 Old Middle St., Route 63 in Goshen.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The Goshen Stampede has activities and events for all ages this weekend, June 16-18.