FESTIVALS & EVENTS : In Rancho Santa Margarita, a Real-McCoy Rodeo Saddles Up

True, Orange County is in the West, about as far as you can go before treading ocean.

But Wild West? Most of the county’s 2 million residents are so far removed from this area’s rich ranchero heritage that an urban cowboy looks like the real thing.

The real thing, though, will be thundering into town beginning Friday when Rancho Santa Margarita holds its annual Fiesta Rodeo.

The highlight will be a competition rodeo sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assn. Cowboys who know the difference between chewing tobacco and a plug of Bazooka will compete in events such as bareback and saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling and calf roping. Cash prizes will total $10,000.

The rodeo will begin Friday night with a concert by Chris LeDoux and the Western Union Band at the intersection of Santa Margarita Parkway and Avenida de las Flores. The gates open at 6 p.m. for fiesta-style seating and tickets cost $6.50.

Rodeo competitions will be held at the same site beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The fiesta theme will also apply to more than 50 arts and crafts booths, many of which will sell Western-style goods. Refreshments ranging from barbecue beef to cotton candy will also be on sale.

Last year’s events sold out, so event organizers suggest buying tickets early through Ticketmaster. The rodeo is being sponsored by the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Assn. and the Santa Margarita Co.

What: Fiesta Rodeo.

When: Friday, May 15, concert at 6 p.m.; rodeo competitions Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: At the intersection of Santa Margarita Parkway and Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita.

Whereabouts: Exit Interstate 5 at either El Toro Road or Alicia Parkway and head east to Santa Margarita Parkway. Wherewithal: Admission to the Friday concert is $6.50; rodeo competition is $8.50 per day.

Where to Call: (714) 589-4272.