Every Wednesday during the summer, Western cowboy heritage is celebrated in the mountains of Colorado. The 36th consecutive season of the Snowmass Rodeo opens June 20, 2008.

The Snowmass Village Rodeo, presented by the nonprofit Snowmass Western Heritage Association, is a summer of fun in the saddle. Cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash prizes in bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddleback bronc and bareback riding, and dally ribbon roping.

Returning spectators will notice a few changes at the Rodeo Grounds, including new ticket booths at the entrance. The petting zoo will return after a two-year hiatus with llamas, a goat or two and other animals for children to enjoy. Everyone in the family loves the Western stagecoach race around the arena and the barbecue. The rodeo is held on Wednesday nights throughout the summertime, all the way to the late August.

The action begins when the gates open at 5 p.m. The main event begins at 7 p.m. each evening with the Grand Entry of contestants. Tickets are available by calling 970-923-8898, or at the gate and from many retailers, hotels and lodges in the valley. Kids 10 and under are admitted free and adult tickets are $16. Tickets for children 11-15 years old are $10. For more information, call 970-923-8898 or visit http://www.snowmassrodeo.org.