Giddy up, pardner

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — As a former rodeo queen, Ann-Erica Whitemarsh knows there's a little cowboy or cowgirl in everybody.

And as the daughter of an advocate for Special Olympics and people with special needs, she realizes that people of all abilities have their place in the ring.

"I'd say it's in my blood to put on events for people with special needs. I've always had a heart for people with special needs," Whitemarsh, of Pasco, Wash., said Wednesday in a phone interview with The Press. "I grew up wanting to be a cowgirl and I did some barrel racing. I was a rodeo queen at one point … and I thought, 'People with special needs don't have the opportunity to be cowboys and cowgirls anywhere.'"

Whitemarsh lassoed that thought and turned it into an inclusive event that gives people of all ages and physical/mental abilities opportunities to shine like a sheriff's tin star — the Rascal Rodeo.

"It's nothing short of miraculous," she said. "That's the only word to describe what takes place at this event."

The fifth annual Coeur d'Alene Rascal Rodeo is coming to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. It's the only Rascal Rodeo in Idaho and one of 15 being held in Coeur d'Alene, Washington and Oregon throughout the year.

This special event, known as an "exceptional rodeo" in the rodeo community, introduces special needs individuals to what life is like in the West. They'll put on cowboy hats and interact with horses, win buckles and trophies, and learn more about the cowboy way.

The Lake City rodeo is usually one of the largest, and spectators are encouraged to attend to cheer on the participants.

"It’s not just for the participants; it’s for the volunteers that get to come and work with the participants," Whitemarsh said. "We've had volunteers change their career path because they've discovered they need to be working with special needs."

Whitemarsh said it's also a great time for individuals with disabilities to uncover their hidden talents.

"It's amazing to see people really discover these abilities," she said. "Being able to help people realize that these people that are considered disabled have just as many abilities as anybody else, that's what it's all about. Being able to witness that at each rodeo, it gives me chills just talking about it."

The Rascal Rodeo will be in the main rodeo arena. It’s free to participants. Everyone should be in closed-toe shoes and dressed for the weather. Special needs participants and volunteers will receive event T-shirts to keep. All belongings must be left at home or in your vehicle.

Register online at www.rascalrodeo.org or in person on Saturday. This will be the last year pre-registration won't be required. Release forms are required.