Cowboy Keegan Knox of Coffeyville, Kan., participates in saddle bronc riding at last year's North Washington Rodeo. The parade at 6:30 p.m. Monday will kick off rodeo events running Tuesday through Aug. 18 at the rodeo arena in Washington Township.

WASHINGTON TWP — The 53rd annual all-professional North Washington Rodeo will take place Tuesday through Aug. 18 at the North Washington Rodeo Arena, 2225 Oneida Valley Road, Route 38.

A parade at 6:30 p.m. Monday will kick off the rodeo. Participating in the parade will be marching units, fire trucks, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and a few floats.

After the parade, rock 'n' roll band Highway 4 will perform live in the arena from 8 to 10 p.m. Also after the parade there will be a bonfire and marshmallows to roast in the arena.

Admission to the arena on parade night is free.

Rodeo events start at 8 p.m. Tuesday and run for five nights.

There will be prize money for bareback bronc riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, cowgirls' barrel racing, team roping events and bull riding.

Specialty act Jerry Wayne Olson and his golden palomino Justin Boots will perform, rain or shine, at 8 p.m. each night.

Admission at the gate is $14 for adults, $6 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children age 3 and younger. Admission in advance is $12 and $5, respectively. Parking at the arena grounds is free.

Proceeds will benefit the North Washington Volunteer Fire Department.Dinners will be served from 4 to 6:30 p.m. each day in the North Washington social hall. Concession stands will be available each evening. No alcoholic beverages or coolers are permitted inside the arena.For more information, call 724-287-6170, visit www.nwvfd.com/rodeo, or write to Rodeo, P.O. Box 94, North Washington, PA 16048.

The 4- to 7-year-olds get off to a quick start in their age group?s stick horse race at the North Washington Rodeo last year.butler eagle file photo