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Butch Jacobs, left, goes after the heels as Dan Post turns the calf after roping the head. They're practicing for Marana's rodeo to raise money for Special Olympics.
Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star
If you go
What: Charity Team Roping and Barrel Race. The rodeo is free to attend and benefits Special Olympics. It will feature a silent auction, a raffle and food. After the barrel racing on Sunday, children will be able to participate in stick-horse barrel racing and mock-steer roping.
When: Events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Registration for participants in the rodeo and barrel racing begins at 8 a.m.
Where: Marana Western Heritage Arena, at Postvale Road and the Interstate 10 frontage road.

Northwest

Racers, ropers to aid charity Special Olympics

By Aaron Mackey
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.26.2007
Cowboys and cowgirls from across the state will ride in Marana this weekend for a shot at winning a new saddle and raising money for Special Olympics.
Sponsors hope the fifth annual Charity Team Roping and Barrel Race, sponsored by the town's Police Department, will raise $15,000 for Special Olympics programs in Arizona, said Sgt. Will Hess, who organized the event this year.
About 60 cowboys and cowgirls plan to participate in the event at the town's Western Heritage Arena, with the goal of winning a saddle, a breast collar, belt buckles or cash.
On Saturday cowboys will be randomly drawn into teams to participate in the roping event. The barrel racing will be held Sunday.
After the barrel races, children can take part in a stick-horse barrel race and mock-steer roping.
Local rodeo enthusiasts are sure to participate because of the great prizes and excellent cause, said Dan Post, a local rancher who is also president of Marana Unified School District's governing board.
"It's a great event," he said. "All the ropers will be out there to support it."
People attending the event will be treated to barbecue fare donated by Fry's Food and Drug Stores. Proceeds from the food sales will benefit Special Olympics programs in Arizona. The grocer's employees will be on hand to cook the food as well, Hess said.
Other donations include the prized belt buckles for the rodeo winners, provided by Ed Hannon RV Center, 3735 E. Irvington Road.
Rodeo watchers will have a chance to take home several items during the event's silent auction and raffle, Hess said.
Items include a barbecue grill, rounds of golf at courses in Dove Mountain and Arizona Diamondbacks and University of Arizona sports memorabilia.
In the past the rodeo has raised $7,000 to $10,000, Hess said. With an increased competition field and bigger donations, the department hopes to raise $15,000 this year, he said.
"We're trying to take this event to the next level," Hess said.
The rodeo is one of three Marana police fundraisers that benefit Special Olympics.
Officers will begin this year's torch run next week, followed by an event at Texas Roadhouse near Continental Ranch.
Uniformed officers will serve food at the restaurant as part of a "Tip a Cop" program late next month.
● Contact reporter Aaron Mackey at 618-1924 or amackey@azstarnet.com.
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