All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on July 28.  Space is limited and may fill up before the deadline, so don’t delay. Siblings without special needs are
welcome to be spectators; however, they may not participate - No Exceptions. If you have more than one child with special needs, please complete a separate application for each child.

Saturday afternoon the Exceptional Kids Rodeo action at the Gilroy Rodeo begins with check in at 1:00pm with a full hour of special fun.  This event is an experience of a lifetime for many of our young contestants and their families.  Our heart is that the young contestants will create and cherish lasting memories and have fun.
 

Your day will start with your assigned check-in time (1:00pm), where your child will receive a T-shirt, a cowboy hat and a Rodeo Contestant back number. After check in you will mosey up to the “Kids Corral Tent”. We will hold a brief introduction and partner the contestant up with a “Howdy Partner” cowboy or cowgirl of all ages who will assist them with taking part in our specially designed rodeo activities. Families are more than welcome to tag along and watch and take pictures.
 

The hour long event will include steer roping using pretend steers, barrel racing using stick horses, and 8 second ride on a practice bucking barrel, and learn how to milk a cow are just some of the unique thrills our young exceptional rodeo partners will experience.
 

Youth contestants receive cowboy hats, a bandana, and other souvenirs to remember their special day at the Gilroy Rodeo’s Exceptional Kids Rodeo.
To apply for participation in the Exceptional Kids Rodeo, fill out the online application or by scan/email or mail.

 

NOTE: If your child is afraid of animals, clowns, balloons and/or mascots, the EKR experience may not be a good fit for them. In August, you will receive a confirmation letter which will contain parking information, and your Group Check in Time.

​

All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on July 28. Gilroy Rodeo reserves the right to close the entries early if all slots are full.