Roots N' Boots Queen Creek has been held annually at the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre for the last 13 years. The event is held each March and includes a jam-packed week filled with a variety of displays that include bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and much more. However, while all of that might sound exciting and confined to those skilled and daring, the youngsters can have their fun too. Dakota Baden, Head Honcho of the Kids N' Kritters event is in her second year of helping kids harness their inner cowboy. Dakota herself has been around the rodeo since she was very young and her family has always been involved. Rodeo has had a long history and a relationship to ranching and farming. Both of which have deep roots in Queen Creek, so the event is quite popular. Dakota called it a 'staple event for our community'.
While for Dakota rodeo is a passion and a lifestyle, she also believes it can build character by teaching youth to persevere and grow resilient. Yet for newcomers starting with some curiosity and fun is a good place to begin too. One event geared for ages 3-11 is the 'Dash for Cash' in which dessert coupons for Chick Fil A are stuck on goats for kids to chase and grab. Kids even get a chance to ride sheep while wearing a helmet and vest for protection. The youngest can be 3 years old and weigh no more than 55 pounds for this activity. However, for those who prefer to keep their distance from animals, you can still mimic the experience and grab onto a stick horse while maneuvering through the barrel course. Dakota says, 'Kids can run a pattern just like the real rodeo'.
All of the events and activities for kids are held during the day and stay related to agriculture or rodeo themes. The idea is to introduce and expose children and families to farming as well as rodeo culture. Dakota says it is important that people know where their food and clothes come from and to have an appreciation for these traditions and the hard work of so many. These hands on activities aim to teach as well as entertain, but they also get kids to move and embrace the simple fun of getting loud and even a little bit dirty. In this day and age of technology and with an emphasis on sedentary behavior, a rodeo might be just what kids need to spend some energy and get their bodies in motion.
There are classic games and a sack race, even the 'egg and spoon' race gets a twist by using a water balloon instead. There are prizes that include fun bookmarks and key chains, and always have some educational element for the kids too. While attending the day's activities it was clear that the sounds of laughter and the awe with which the children were able to approach animals was memorable for all. In addition to the week of rodeo, there is much to see and do, including a carnival, petting zoo and pony rides, food trucks, music, shopping, and more. The rodeo isn't just for cowboys, but at the Kids N' Kritters event you might just turn into one.
Rodeo has had a long history and a relationship to ranching and farming... which have deep roots in Queen Creek.