blackvoicenews.com

An enthusiastic crowd attended the 26^th Annual Bill Pickett Rodeo Finals held for the first time at the City of Industry Expo Center. The best of the best competed in this the world series of Black Rodeo winners won money and saddles.

Each event was more exciting than the previous one. Lou Vasson, the founder of the nation’s only travelling Black Rodeo, was pleased with his first Finals effort in California. “So many people in California enjoy the state’s two qualifying rodeos and give us so much support, we thought we’d heed their requests and bring the finals here,” he said.

The Bill Pickett Rodeo travels to Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Washington, DC and Oakland and the Los Angeles region.

This year Census 2010 came out in a big way. Close to 100 people wore tee shirts reminding participants the Census is coming early next year.  Additionally, new to the event was an Author and Artist Pavilion sponsored by Black Voice News. Authors, Brenda Jackson and Bernadette Stannis, “Thema” on television’s Good Times joined artists, Charles Bibbs, and other fine artist Mommie Helen’s Bakery located in Colton provided the refreshments for the reception.

The Champion Cowboys and Cowgirls were: Calf Ropin, Deon Osborn; Bareback Ridin, Jason Griffin; Bull Doggin Wefus Tyus; Ladies Steer Undecoratin, Stephanie Haynes; Ladies Barrel Racin, Kanessha Jackson, Jr.; Barrel Racin, Joseph King; Bull Ridin, Johnny Allen; All Around Cowboy, Jason Griffin; All Around Cowgirl, Kanesha Jackson; Rookie Cowboy, Denell Henderson; Rookie Cowgirl, Amber Madden; All Around Average Cowboy, Jason Griffin; All Around Average Cowgirl, Stephanie Haynes; Calf Ropin Average, Glenn Jackson; Bareback Average, Jason Griffin; Bull Doggin Average, Reuben Haynes, Ladies Steer Undecoratin Average; Stephanie Haynes, Ladies Barrel Racin Average; K a n e s h a Jackson; Bull Ridin Average, Johnny Allen, Jr. Barrel Average, Joseph King.