Cowboys and cowgirls heading to the rodeo grounds for the first pro-rodeo in Madera County

COARSGOLD, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's a first for Coarsegold and Madera County. This weekend athletes will take to the rodeo grounds for the Coarsegold Stampede Pro-Rodeo.

"It's a PRCA sanctioned event, and these points go toward the NFR for the big rodeo," said Johanna Choate, All In Pro Rodeo LLC.

"We're going to have big name people here, top riders, and our stock is top notch stock. It's the best in the world," said Tanner Tweed, rodeo grounds owner.

"Forty-two barrel racers, 41 team ropers. We have about 16 to 18 steer wrestlers coming, and over 30 calf ropers," said Alex Hauser, stock contractor.

Altogether the seven rodeo events are bringing close to 150 athletes to the Coarsegold Rodeo grounds and even more livestock.

"We're putting in 12 to 13 hours a day out here. They've done a complete makeover. All new bucking shoots, new roping end," said Wes Ibrahimi, stock contractor.

For the last three months, stock contractors and volunteers have been working tirelessly for the production. Tweed said this is a long time coming for the Coarsegold community.

"We want to have bigger and better things in Coarsegold. This area is starving for attention and we have a great piece of property that's ready to do this."

"Coarsegold is due for this, were going to put them on the map. They've always had a great rodeo in the spring, and I think this is a great opportunity," said Ibrahimi.

The Coarsegold Stampede takes place this Saturday night at 6:30 and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.