No-Bull Rodeo is this Saturday in Coarsegold

You can step right up without stepping into it because the No-Bull Rodeo is good clean fun set for this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds.

Get ready to dig in as heavy equipment operators compete in precision challenges.

The No-Bull Equipment Rodeo is a one-of-a-kind community event where skilled operators engage heavy equipment like skid steers, excavators and backhoes in a show of control, accuracy and skill.

It’s a fundraiser for the nonprofit Perspectives Project founded by longtime Bass Lake resident and current Yosemite Unified School District trustee, Jennifer Rogers.

“The competitor lineup is officially full!” said Rogers.

“We are still accepting competitor applications for our waitlist in case a spot opens up. And we’ve moved the gate time up to 10:30 a.m. to give everyone plenty of time to get in, find their spot and get settled before the Grand Entry and the National Anthem at 11:30 a.m.”

Former county supervisor and community advocate Tom Wheeler is the Honorary Grand Marshal of this inaugural event.

Rogers said pre-sale tickets are encouraged and also less expensive. Volunteers are still welcome to help out and anyone interested in being part of the rodeo can sign up through the “Get Involved” page of the website.

“Come prepared to make a day of it!” she advised. “In addition to the equipment competition we’ll have food, vendors, the Kid’s Zone, Excavator Experience, Bucking Bull Experience, beer garden and more followed by live music with Jaded from 6-9 p.m.”

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and shade/easy-ups and get settled in for the day.

It’s going to be a grand old time but what’s the purpose behind the participation?

“With all the fun things we’re talking about, I want to make sure we keep connecting back to why we’re doing it,” said Rogers, founder of the nonprofit recipient of the fundraiser.

The No-Bull Equipment Rodeo benefits Rogers’ Perspectives Project, an organization which focuses largely on uplifting youth navigating adversity including those who are justice involved and communities facing significant challenges or systemic barriers.

“It’s rooted in a simple understanding that we’re living in the feeling of our thinking moment to moment and when that’s seen for the first time something is realized through insight, bringing a natural shift in perspective,” Rogers shared.

The Perspectives Project also serves survivors of violence and exploitation and those who’ve experienced discrimination or marginalization — along with educators, leaders and agencies that support them. Rogers has engaged in transformational work for some 30 years.

“The program is about paradigm shifting. When you see how you’re built, how thought and experience works, you have something you didn’t have before. It offers greater resilience, more calm, more peace and greater possibility. It’s amazing.”

The No-Bull Equipment Rodeo is presented by Papé Machinery, Yosemite Foothills, Coarsegold Rodeo, Harris Equipment Company, Pioneer Equipment, McCaffrey Homes and the Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council.

Loader Level sponsors include Sierra News Online, Tom Bohna Ranch, The Lodge at Two Moons and Sierra Sky Ranch.

Excavator Level sponsors include MY Club (Kids Zone) and Lepley Trees (Excavator Experience), JMT Construction (Bucking Bull Experience), Mel 4 Barker Supervisor (bringing you the band Jaded), Caglia Environmental, Talley Transportation, United Rentals, FCON3, Inc.(formerly Faysal Construction), Miller’s Landing Resort, Stewards of the Sierra National Forest and EMADCO.

Just ahead of the big day, Rogers wanted to especially recognize H&H Works, the father-son demolition and excavation team of Keith Horton and Matthew Horton, Rogers’ husband and offspring. She said they’ve wholeheartedly helped “bring this thing to life.”

“They have really been my partner in taking this crazy vision of an equipment rodeo and actually making it happen. They’ve helped create and organize the equipment events, secure equipment and put together so much of what people are actually going to see happening in the arena.

H&H will also sponsor the Grand Champion belt buckle which goes with bragging rights.

Buckle up!

For more information, tickets and registration visit https:// www.no-bullrodeo.com/ and socials.