Charles “Bronc” Rumford of Abbyville, Kan., was just a child the first time his family's rodeo stock company put on an event in the Kansas City metropolitan area 50 years ago.

For 49 years, rodeo fans from all around the area have trekked to Benjamin Stables in Kansas City, Mo., for a professional rodeo. Now that tradition has found a new home at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Gardner.

Some of the top rodeo contestants in their region will test their skills this weekend in Gardner.

The Santa Fe Trail ProRodeo will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Quality stock from Rumford Rodeo Co. and Circle A Ranch will be tested by top rodeo cowboys. Champions of every shape and size will take a shot at the prize money available inside the arena — from 250-pound steer wrestlers to 150-pound bull riders to 115-pound barrel racers.

This year's event features charro Gerardo “Jerry” Diaz, a skilled Mexican horseman whose origins date back to the 17th century. The charro developed customs, dress, music and equestrian skills later borrowed by the American cowboy. A charro dresses in traditional costume and is skilled in horsemanship, bull riding, horse and steer roping and trick roping.

Adding to the entertainment is Cody Sosebee, a clown/barrelman whose humor keeps fans in stitches.

Entries can be made by calling Kate Rumford, (620) 960-3402.

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