CHESAW – Chesaw’s Fourth of July Rodeo, a tradition going back 66 years celebrating community rodeo, will take place Friday July 4.

Festivities for this year’s Chesaw Rodeo actually begin the night before with the Chesaw Rodeo Hall Dance on Thursday, July 3.

The Country-Western band “Powder River” will be performing from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. During the dance, the adjacent Molson Grange Food Booth will be open with old-fashioned grilled burgers, hot dogs, ice cream cones, French fries and more.

On July 4th it is always a busy day in Chesaw as the town’s normal population of about three-dozen swells to gigantic proportions. The day starts with a Molson Grange Breakfast at 6 a.m. The Chesaw Rodeo Small Sports begin at 10 a.m. and the parade is at 12:30.

The main event, the Chesaw Fourth of July Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. The stock for this year’s rodeo is being provided by C & C Rodeo Company, according to Millie Leslie, one of the organizers of the event.

The Grange food booth switches to lunch about 10:30 am and will be open until the rodeo is over. Serving up the afternoon eats will be the Sitzmark Ski Club. The rodeo and dance are $5.00 each for adults and kids 10 and under get in free. There is also a free camping area.

“It can be a struggle, but we still try to keep the rodeo reasonably priced for family-oriented entertainment,” said Leslie.

Heading up this year’s parade will be Chesaw Fourth of July Rodeo Grand Marshal Darlene Owyn. (see related story).

For those coming back down the hill after the rodeo that want to see some fireworks there will be a display beginning at dark at Oroville’s Deep Bay Park. Dane Forrester, who has been heading up the committee that presents the fireworks is emphasizing the need for additional donations this year in order to keep the show on par with last year’s spectacular. Forester said in honor of Oroville’s 100th birthday a show guaranteed to draw “ohs and ahs” from those watching is planned.

To make things even more local, Oroville’s Brian Sawyer has obtained his certification as a licensed pyrotechnician and will be guiding the displays, according to Forrester.

As usual, there are no personal fireworks allowed in the park. Forrester advises people to come early and bring a blanket or camp chair to sit on.