The focus was on family fun as children of all ages enjoyed the Fortuna Rodeo-associated activities held on Tuesday at the Redwood Village Shopping Center in the Friendly City.
Everyone waited patiently in the lines for the horse and pony rides, presented by Zion Riding Academy.
“Tessa Lawson and her crew from Zion Riding Academy brought three horses and two ponies for this event,” Fortuna Business Improvement District executive director Dianna Rios said, “and almost 200 kids got a free ride on a horse or pony.”
She thanked the Redwood Village Shopping Center Merchants Association for the free horse and pony rides.
The kids rodeo week activities at the Redwood Village Shopping Center are hosted by the Merchants Association and FBID every year.
“The businesses of the Shopping Center really appreciate the community’s support all year long and as a thank you, provided the face painting, cake walk, pony rides, petting zoo and prizes for the costume contest (at the event),” Rios said.
More than 100 children had their faces painted, with volunteer labor from the Fortuna Union High School 2020 Safe and Sober program.
There was a cakewalk event, where winners could choose either a cupcake or a few pieces of candy, and over 250 youngsters participated.
Many children took part in the hose relay and bucket brigade games offered by the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department.
Three-year-old twins Alayla and Adalyn Weed from Washington state, but in Fortuna visiting with family, were some of the first kids to tackle the hose relay game.
“We are so lucky to have our Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department and their commitment to all kids, including our kids in our community,” Rios said.
Something new this year was the involvement of the Fortuna Skate Park Committee, which brought skate ramps, skate rails, skateboards, scooters and helmets.
“The Fortuna Skate Park volunteers added so much to our event this year,” Rios said. “We look forward to having a skate park in our town in the future.”
Another new addition this year was a Mariachi band. The Mariachi Real de Mexico, including 5-year-old Omar Cortes, performed at the festivities.
“This was a nice addition this year,” Rios said. “Many eventgoers commented that they really appreciated the music and that they felt it was new, different, upbeat and fun.”
The ever-popular western-themed costume contest had about 20 children involved, from ages six months to 9-years-old. Rather than choose winners in each category, this year, all who participated were winners.
“All kids were the big winners, getting gold dollar coins, candy and lots of love,” Rios said.
Hydesville 4-H Club brought out animals for a petting zoo including a lamb, goats and chickens.
“Kids had an opportunity to hold, pet, brush and feed the animals,” Rios said.
She gave a shoutout to some of the parents of Hydesville 4-H Club members for making sure the petting zoo was available at the event.
There were also demonstrations from HealthSPORT gymnasts, wax flowers to be made, and of course, cotton candy and snow cones.
