Roots 'N Boots has Florence connection

Get your rodeo gear ready because the Roots ‘N Boots Rodeo Queen Creek starts today.

The annual rodeo runs March 13-17 at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center, 20464 E. Riggs Road. The first day of the rodeo starts at 5 p.m. when the event’s carnival opens. At 7:30 p.m., the All-Women’s Rodeo takes place.

On Saturday, March 16, the inaugural Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek Pony Express Ride will run a relay from Florence to the Roots ‘N Boots Rodeo.

During the 30-mile ride, 27 riders will be carrying postcards written by local school children to servicemen stationed overseas in a hand-to-hand relay.

The pony express route will run along Hunt Highway, Arizona Farms, Gantzel, Skyline, Empire and Riggs roads.

Each Roots N’ Boots pro rodeo performance contains seven professional rodeo events. Six of the events – bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding – are sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Women’s barrel racing is sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

Professional rodeo action consists of two types of competitions — roughstock events and timed events — and an all-around cowboy crown for the cowboy with the most money won in two or more events.

The rodeo is just one part of the event. Along with the carnival there will be an antique tractor show, an equine meet and greet, a dance featuring the music of the Josh Roy Band, an AGtivity Zone with a free petting zoo, a pancake breakfast and more.

Tickets for the rodeo and a schedule to events can be found at https://rootsnboots.org/ .