Texas Youth Rodeo Finals set to start today

The Texas Youth Rodeo Association (TYRA) State Finals is scheduled to take place in Gonzales, July 3-7. Youth from communities throughout South Central Texas ranging in age from 5 to 18 years will be participating in 22 events.

Performances are scheduled at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Gonzales Arena located in the J.B. Wells Park

Qualifying rodeos are held from March through June in various cities throughout South Central Texas where contestants accumulate points to participate in the final competition. The top 25 contestants in each event then qualify for the TYRA finals in Gonzales.

Some 218 contestants will be competing for over 50 trophy saddles and some 130 trophy buckles. Events each evening include cloverleaf barrels, pole bending, figure 8 barrels, breakaway calf roping, tie-down calf roping, ribbon roping, goat tying, steer riding, team roping, steer wrestling, bareback horse riding, and bull riding.

The top 10 contestants from each event will compete on Saturday afternoon for the State Championship title in their division.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 9 and under. A weekly pass may be purchased for $25 adults and children 9 and under $10.

Gonzales County will be represented at the TYRA State Finals by Razzi Beyer, Ty Brzozowski, McKenzie Caldwell, Loni Lester, Ray Lee Raley, Garen Reese and Kalli Davis.

For additional information contact the City of Gonzales at (830)672-2815 or the Gonzales County Chamber of Commerce at (830)672-6532.