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Web Producer: Laura Kittell
Photographer: Guy Atchley bio | email

The 2012 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is happening Feb. 18-26 at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave.

Current and former Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world champions are featured in each Tucson Rodeo.

The Tucson Rodeo enlists over 650 contestants from the United States and Canada competing for more than $420,000 in prize money. The Tucson Rodeo, the first major outdoor event on the PRCA schedule, gives visitors an opportunity to see real-life cowboys and cowgirls display their ability in the only sport in the world developed from work skills.

Rodeo events include bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel racing. Also featured each day are kids’ events -- Dodge Mutton Bustin’, when four-to six-year-olds test their riding skills on sheep, and the Justin Junior Rodeo for young cowpokes ages 7-12.

The Tucson Rodeo Committee and Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, both volunteer-based, nonprofit community groups, stage La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.

Proceeds from the Tucson Rodeo benefit the a University of Arizona scholarship fund,  the Lion’s Club, Rotary Clubs and 4-H Groups.