PHOTOS: Gay Rodeo in Gusty Banning

The first day of Hot Rodeo 2011 kicked off Saturday in gusting winds at Banning's A.C. Dysart Equestrian Center.

Scores of contestants, including experienced hands from across the West, competed in calf roping, team roping, steer decoration, chute dogging, pole bending and bullriding.

In spite of a high wind warning issued early Saturday until 2 p.m., several hundred spectators turned out to enjoy the atmosphere, and by afternoon the stands at A.C. Dysart Equestrian Center were crowded.

Events specific to gay rodeo, including goat dressing and wild drag races, will be part of the mix again Sunday at the equestrian center, 2101 W. Victory Ave. in Banning, organizers said.

Gay rodeo events are set up for amateurs and first-timers to participate, and all events are open to men and women competitors, organizers said. Anyone is welcome to compete.

Tickets at the gate Sunday will be $20. More information on tickets, the four-day schedule and rodeo events in Banning are available at the Greater Palm Springs Chapter web site.

Profits from the event contribute to the City of Banning's Youth Scholarship Program, Greater Palm Springs Chapter president Jimmy Golden said.

"This is the third or fourth year they've had the event in Banning, and they've been very generous with scholarship donations," said Heidi Meraz, Banning Community Services director. "Their contributions have been in the neighborhood of $2,000 to $2,500 each year, in addition to facility rental fees and water usage fees."