Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

A little-known fact: There is a definitely weird, possibly severely disturbed percentage of the male, teenage population whose dream is to become, not an airline pilot, rock star, football player, or fireman, but … a rodeo clown. Yep, wanting to make his living getting out in front of a raging bull, a seriously pissed-off 2,000-pound animal with horns, with the express intent of attracting its attention. This weekend, members of that mentally deranged minority and the rest of us can catch the thrills and spills – yes, there will be spills – at the annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. With a $200,000-plus purse, it features 30 top contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping. All proceeds benefit local charities. So dig out that cowboy hat you’ve never had the cojones to wear outside the house, and go watch some tough hombres tackle some badass beasts.
Sat., Aug. 22, 2 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 23, 11:30 a.m., 2009