The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo continues to celebrate over 22 years. The rodeo rides into to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center located at 480 Riverside Drive in Burbank with three regular shows on Saturday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 15 at 3:30p.m.

A special "Rodeo for Kidz Sake" takes place on Friday, July 13 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. for schools, churches summer camps and organizations. All tickets must be purchased in advance for rodeo admittance.

Do not miss this fun-filled event as we present celebrities, various vendors, with good eats, treats and an afternoon and evening of excitement featuring African-American cowboys and cowgirls competing in seven different rodeo events. Featured events include Calf Ropin', Bareback Ridin', Ladies Barrel Racin', Jr. Barrel Racin', Bull Doggin, Ladies Steer Undercoatin' and Bull Ridin'.

Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and has been a powerful tool in his goals of educating people on the Black West experiences of the cultural pride associated with all of the contributions made by African Americans. History notes that one out of every six cowboys was an African American; therefore, the Bill Pickett Invitational rodeo is a fitting tribute to the cowboys and cowgirls.

This rodeo, named after William "Bill" Pickett, was the creator of bulldoggin'. Bill Pickett would race on his horse to catch a steer, and then leap out of his saddle to gram the steer's head and twist it slowly toward the sky.  He would overpower the animal by sinking his teeth into the steer's upper lip. Bull dogging is the only rodeo event that traced back to its inventor.

Bill Pickett was a star attraction on the rodeo and Wild West Circuit for more than 15 years after the turn of the century.  Honored in 1972, 40 years after his death, by elected to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1989 with a special tribute in Colorado Springs, and in 1996, Bill was the first Black Rodeo Athlete inducted into the Black Cowboy Walk of Fame in Denver, Colorado.

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo offers attendees a unique look at some of today's hottest African-American cowboys and cowgirls from all across the United States. This rodeo presents cowboys and cowgirls who have mastered needed skills to compete in the rodeo at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center to compete for a total purse that could exceed $20,000. 

This rodeo is a sport that challenges the mental ability and wit, and physical stamina of its  participants like no other sport.  It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Touring from February through November each year, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo rides into cities, arenas and fairgrounds across the country including the cities of Memphis, Atlanta, Beaumont, San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Washington DC, St. Louis and Kansas City.

Why not make it a family weekend and enjoy a complete cultural experience.

Attend the special (pre-purchased tickets) "Rodeo for Kidz Sake" on Friday, July 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, in Burbank, California. 

Attend the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 15 at 3:30 p.m., at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, in Burbank, California.

What better way to enjoy your weekend, and support the nation's top black cowboys and cowgirls, while they continue to make history.

Purchase rodeo tickets at The Black Voice News by calling 951.682.6070. Tickets range from $21 to $29.