Was the question asked by the announcer as we waited for the start of the Painted Pony Rodeo. The crowd cheered and it was obvious that yes we were!
Is there anything more American, more red white and blue than a rodeo? Cowboys ropin’ and riding’ bucking broncos bareback and bulls with names like Frankenstein. Cowgirls barrel racin’ and ropin calves. And don’t forget the clown!
Rodeo and the Northeast just don’t seem to go together but if you’re looking for something exciting and fun to do on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday night during the summer then The Painted Pony Rodeo in Lake Luzerne is the place to go! It has been in continuous operation since 1953 and hosts competitors from all over the country — Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut and of course New York to name a few.
The Painted Pony isn’t just a rodeo but also a BBQ– Texas BBQ– cooked low and slow, the way it should be. As soon as you get out of your car you smell the smoke from the BBQ pits cooking chicken and ribs. The BBQ is served buffet style so you can help yourself to as many servings of the smoky delicious meats, vegetables and salad that you’d like.
We found a table under the pavilion where we could hear the music playing in the Longhorn Saloon, setting the mood for the night. The Longhorn Saloon has a cash bar and is open after the rodeo so you can meet all the contestants up close and personal. Once you are done eating all the BBQ you could possibly want then it’s time to head over to the arena. BBQ not your thing? There is also a full snack bar with burgers, fries, fried dough and other tasty treats.
The seating is bleacher-style made from long boards. It takes some coordination to maneuver down the “steps” and along the “seats” to find the perfect one. You might want to bring a cushion because the wood gets “hard” after two hours. The arena seems small but that just makes for a more intimate experience, and you’re able to see all the action even from the back row. The intimate setting also means you might have someone sitting right next to you or with their knees very close to your back — but isn’t that a good way to make friends.
Since this is an All-American event, it couldn’t start without some old fashioned pageantry.
The contestants ride out into the arena carrying the flags of the sponsors, for the first and only time they will be in the arena at the same time. The Parade of Contestants is then followed by a tribute to America. A very pretty cowgirl holding a giant American flag rides into the arena and circles several times while the announcer reads a tribute to the United States …. very moving. After the Star Spangled Banner (sung by a 5 year old little girl, then it was time for the action to begin.
While the cowboys were getting ready in their chutes we were entertained by Sal the Rodeo Clown. He told jokes while bantering with the announcer
There was a break in the action and out came a trick roper who spun lassos. Then it was time for one of the highlights of the rodeo — the boot and shoe race. All children ages 8 and under were encouraged to come down to the middle of the arena. Sal then instructed them to remove one shoe and drop it in a pile in the middle of the arena. They were then to go to the other end of the arena (some were hopping so they wouldn’t get their bare foot muddy) and line up. It had been raining and raining hard for most of the day so the arena was very muddy not to mention that horses and steers had been out there doing what horses and steers do under stress… if you know what I mean. So the kids were all lined up at the end of the arena and the point of this is to race down, get their shoe, put it on and race back and give Sal a high five. But since it’s a race it’s important to stretch. Sal instructed them to reach for their toes and stretch side to side. Then of course he wanted them to do the most important stretch of all, the full body stretch — lay on the ground and roll from one side to the other side– yes- in the mud and other stuff. It was hilarious! The winner was given a t-shirt which I guess was a good prize for rolling in horse manure and then running a race with one shoe!
With the rodeo now in full swing it was time for the two most exciting events – cowgirl barrel racing and bullriding! A classic and dramatic way to end the rodeo, since it had been raining earlier, fog had drifted over the arena making the last bull ride very climactic.
For more photos and video from The Painted Pony Rodeo “like” my facebook page From My Corner of Saratoga You can also follow me on twitter @kimberaka for more blog updates.
The Painted Pony Rodeo is located in Lake Luzerne and runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night until Labor Day — rain or shine
Tickets are:
Rodeo only: Adults $14, Children $8
Rodeo and BBQ: Adults $26, Children $14
Tickets can be purchased online. If you buy your tickets on the day of the event there will an additional $2 charge. They welcome large groups too.
So if you’re looking for something fun and different to do with your kids, in-laws or friends from out of town don’t miss The Painted Pony Rodeo.
It’s a Buckin’ Good Time!!