“Mini Rodeo” event continues to impact special needs community

Children with special needs in the Imperial Valley attended the 31st annual "Mini Rodeo" at the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo.  

The event helps parents like Ana Barajas, take her eight-year-old son Jesse who has autism and asthma to crowded events. 

"So it's hard to take him out to a lot of events because of his asthma. You know he's very...you gotta push him. And I like this program because it's pushing him and it's kinda bringing him out of his shell, and he's able to enjoy these things."

Jesse is attending his first mini rodeo, and will perform in front a crowd with his dance group. Which Ana know's is something he'll never forget. 

Barajas added, "The inclusion. They feel important. They feel recognized. And that's just amazing. It's something that they're going to hold on. I'll know they'll hold on to it."

Whether it's seeing a clown or stunts from a horse, Mini Rodeo Committee Chairman,Julie Reeves said  the event gives local children a real rodeo experience. 

"We're not doing this for the whole community. It is just for them. And they get to come down at the front seats there and pet all the horses as the contestants get warmed up and get in the arena. And pet those horses. This is just for them." 

For Jessica Friley, the Cattle Call Queen of 2019, it's all about the smile on their faces.

"I'm going to remember it for the rest of my life. We've only done five or six events but the kids, the look that they give you when they see you and they're just so excited. "

The "Mini Rodeo" unofficially kicks off the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo this weekend.