Gracie Lee Haught Memorial Ropin' is August 7-8

Photo by Angie Lucchesi

Steer ropin' teams must throw their rawhide straight and true to rope a calf by the neck then quickly lasso the critter's feet. At the 2010 Gracie Lee Haught Memorial Ropin, held at the Payson Multi Event Center on August 7 and 8, cowboys will get the chance to test their skills for saddles, buckles, rope bags, prize money and applause

The entry fee is $30 per man. Cash only. Entries will be taken Saturday at the Ropin'. Books open at 7:30 a.m. and ropin' begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Enter up to three times per ropin' (pick 1/draw 2 or draw 3).

High money header and heelers will be awarded prizes.

Ropin' cows and calves has always been a part of ranching life and rodeos. Spectators at the annual Gracie Lee Haught Memorial Ropin' have been watching how it is done for the past few years. This is a family friendly event with a dummy ropin' for children.

Entrants, their families, and the public are invited to come and boot scoot at the dinner and dance Saturday evening with food catered by Suzy Q's BBQ beginning at 5 p.m. and music by DJ Johnny from 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $15 for dinner and dance or $5 dance only. There will be a Calcutta Auction at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Kids' Dummy Ropin' at 8 p.m.

Women's barrel racing will not be a part of the event this year.

The Payson Multi Event Center is located on the West side of Arizona Highway 87 across from the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in the cool pines of Payson, Arizona.

Proceeds from this fundraiser support GLH programs: assistance to a family for a child's crisis medical bills, child safety program, and car seats for families in need. GLH programs are administered by the Mogollon Health Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.