Rodeo comes to Virginia City

It may not be the wildest or the richest, but the Virginia City Rodeo has its own appeal.

"We have a lot of fun," said Jim Long, president of the Virginia City Rodeo Association. "It's not the Reno Rodeo, of course, but it's a great family event."

A former bull rider, Long helped establish the rodeo on the Comstock 10 years ago. And the ropes haven't stopped flying since.

From the onset, the intent was to make the rodeo affordable for entire families to attend. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under get in free.

About 200 participants are expected to enter the rodeo and a crowd of around 2,000 usually turns out.

The parade entrants will include the Comstock Wild Horse Museum, the Latin Energy dancers, classic cars and a restored antique fire steamer.

"Come up," urged parade organizer Karen Hamel. "We're having the parade, the rodeo, and all the saloons are playing special music."

If You Go:

What: Virginia City rodeo and parade

When: Parade at noon Saturday, rodeo 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Parade on C Street; rodeo at Virginia City rodeo grounds on F Street