Marysville Stampede rearin' up for 2-day show starting Saturday

They just returned from Las Vegas, and soon they'll be on their way to Santa Maria.

But for now, Cotton and Reno Rosser are getting ready to wow spectators right here at home.

On Wednesday, the father-and-son cowman team — producers of the Flying U Rodeo — took one last look at the freshly mowed grounds at Cotton Rosser Arena in Beckwourth Riverfront Park.

The chutes have been erected, the arena dirt disced, and a new concrete dance floor graces the area in front of the stage.

Saturday kicks off the 79th annual Marysville Stampede, or what Reno Rosser said will be "the greatest show that rodeo has seen in quite some time."

"We got a motorcycle guy who does flips," said Cotton Rosser. "We got all new acts."

Justin "Airtime" Ayers, a trick motorcyclist from Oregon, is among the latest members of the Rosser showbiz ensemble, headquartered just south of Marysville.

But his tricks, said Cotton Rosser, are only part of his charm. Ayers is not the hairy, tattooed stereotype of the extreme sportsman these days.

"He's a real cowboy. He ropes and rides horses — he's one of us," the veteran rodeo showman said. "You can take him to a press party and not be embarrassed by him."

The show, which runs through Sunday, will also feature skydiver Kent Lane, who will accompany a giant airborne American flag.

And then there's the rodeo itself. The professional competition includes bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and women's barrel racing.

Kiddie events include mutton bustin,' an event that lets 4-7-year olds try riding sheep, and a silver dollar hunt.

Closing day — Sunday — is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" day. The program, promoted by the rodeo industry, encourages fans to wear pink to show their support of breast cancer patients and survivors.

A portion of Sunday ticket sales will be donated to the Fremont-Rideout Cancer Center in Marysville, according to a Flying U Rodeo Co. press release.

Discount tickets — $11 for adults, $6 for children — can be purchased in advance at Cotton's Cowboy Corral and Silver Dollar Saloon in Marysville, Straw Hat Pizza in Yuba City, or City Grill and Bill's Place in Wheatland. Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults and $11 for children.

The Stampede starts at 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 742-8240, or check www.facebook.com/marysvillestampede.

CONTACT Nancy Pasternack at npasternack@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4781. Find her on Facebook at /ADnpasternack or on Twitter at @ADnpasternack.