Despite the predictions of rainy weather over the next several days, the Cowboy Capital of the World is in the midst of a hectic, fast-paced and fun Rodeo Week.

The 61st annual Oakdale Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo is Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15 but plenty of events will precede it, including the Tuesday night, April 10 Team Roping and the sold out Cowgirl Luncheon at the city’s Bianchi Community Center on Wednesday, April 11.

Recent ‘Spirit Day’ competitions at local schools got the younger residents involved and excited about rodeo and the city’s cowboy heritage, with many honored as the ‘best dressed’ cowboys and cowgirls and classes recognized for having the most spirit. See a complete recap of the Spirit Day events in the April 11 issue of The Leader.

Also look for weekend updates via the website on the rodeo competition, as hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls come into town for bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more, seeking prize money and bragging rights.

Events accompanying the rodeo range from the Arrest Your Boss fundraiser hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, the chamber mixer offered at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum on Thursday evening that also includes the coronation of Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2012 from a trio of contestants and Saturday morning’s annual Oakdale Rodeo Parade along F Street in the heart of the community.

Grand entry each day will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Saddle Club rodeo grounds on East F Street, signaling the start of the day’s competition.