California Rodeo holds Special Buckaroo Rodeo for special needs children

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The California Rodeo Salinas is holding their Special Buckaroo Rodeo for special needs children.

The event has been happening for decades and allows the children to be a cowgirl and cowboy for the day.

The Monterey County Office of Education has worked with the Rodeo for over 30 years to make this event possible for kids and parents.

"I think it’s really important because we pair up our special needs children with a cowboy or cowgirl and it's a great community builder and it's really great for our children," said Connie Rains, chairperson for Special Buckaroos Committee.

KION spoke with one mother at the event whose son is autistic and non-verbal and feels that events like the Special Buckaroo Rodeo allow children to be themselves.

"We know how important it is for them to be out in the community and just enjoy themselves as well. I think that's a big thing for our family is to have others understand and to have that awareness that they are normal children just like everyone else," said Meataui Moliga.

A father and son were also and about enjoying the event.

"My favorite part was riding the horses," said Carlos Juares Jr.

The Special Buckaroos happens every Saturday during the rodeo but the rodeo continues until September 26th.