Printed by the Blaine County Journal-News-Opinion, entry forms are currently available for the Blaine County Kids' Rodeo. Although the event will be held on Wednesday, August 10, entry and consent forms are due on August 1.

With one update, that 14 year olds will be allowed to enter steer riding, entry forms are obtainable along the Hi-Line. They can be picked up at Westside in Malta, Sage N Spur Mercantile in Harlem, and Norman's Ranch and Sportswear in Havre. In Chinook, entry forms can be claimed at the Blaine County Journal office, Bear Paw Livestock, Chinook Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Bob's on Missouri Street), and the Blaine County Fair Office. Forms can also be downloaded and printed from the Blaine County Kids' Rodeo Facebook page. All entry forms must be notarized and be accompanied by the contestant's birth certificate and any required entry fees. No refunds will be granted.

"I lowered the entry fees this year because of gas prices and everything else being so expensive," organizer Courtney Bell stated.

One event, Team Roping is open to all ages and genders. In addition, the Senior age group (ages 14-18) offers chute dogging, calf roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending as available events. Juniors (ages 9-13) can compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, pole bending, steer riding, goat tying, and a flag race. Events for Minis (ages 4-8) are goat ribbon untying and barrel racing, as well as a boot race, steer chase, and sheep riding.

Bell went on to say that every donation and sponsorship dollar goes towards defraying costs related to putting on the rodeo as well as for the purchase of prizes. "We appreciate all of our sponsors," Bell said. She also admitted that working on the rodeo has been extra hard this year: "I'm missing my right hand man."

According to Bell, prizes will be awarded in all three age groups: Minis (six places), Juniors (five places), and Seniors (four places). As of press time, there was no limit on the number of events a contestant could enter. "And the prizes are really nice this year," Bell explained; "because I like to shop," she added with a chuckle.

Entries must be postmarked by August 1 and mailed to Courtney Bell at 1810 Paradise Valley Road; Chinook, MT 59523. Bell invites everyone to come out and support these young cowboys and cowgirls at the Kids' Rodeo. Events begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. "Rain or shine, the rodeo will go on," Bell concluded.