Roots N' Boots rodeo in Queen Creek starts Tuesday

The Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek rodeo kicks off on Tuesday and will have an assortment of activities for all ages and abilities.

Returning this year is the Special Kids Rodeo co-hosted by the nonprofit Mary Gloria Foundation.

The Special Kids Rodeo is designed to “provide individuals with special needs the chance to experience Roots N’ Boots in a safe and supportive event,” according to organizers.

SKR is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 20 at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Cetnre, 20464 E. Riggs Road. All activities will take place under the center’s cover and on a hard-packed dirt surface that is wheelchair friendly.

Activities will include:

• Line-dancing lessons
• Photos with Roots N’ Boots royalty
• Stick-horse race
• Barrel race
• Roping lessons
• Arts and crafts

The event is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle.

Held annually, Roots N’ Boots is a rodeo and more.

Along with PRCA Rodeo competitions and performances, this year features an all-women’s rodeo, a free pancake breakfast, a petting zoo, a cowboy marketplace for shopping and a full-sized carnival and midway.

There will be plenty of events especially geared toward kids. For children ages 3-11, there’s the Kids N’ Kritte event where they can “Dash for Cash” grabbing money off goats or perhaps ride a sheep at the famous Mutton Bustin’.

For older kids, there is the Extreme Teen event where no livestock experience is necessary.

The rodeo runs March 17-22 at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre.