Ropin’, Ridin’ and More

The 100 Strong Men of Compton is a serious-minded community service group with a fun-loving approach to community involvement. This weekend, the group plays host, along with Frontier 101 Productions, to the first “Cowboys of Color Open-Invitational Rodeo.”

“We want to get people in the community educated about minority cowboys, and African Americans especially,” said Melvin Stokes, president of 100 Strong Men. “We want to let them know about the part we played in our history, and pay homage to some of the people who helped settle the West.” That includes folks like “Deadwood Dick” and “Stagecoach Mary.”

Rodeo organizers don’t quite know what to expect, says Denny Pickett of Frontier 101, but about 300 cowboys from all over the West are scheduled to saddle up this weekend. “What we’re trying to do is take the show and build it up into an annual event,” he says.

The 50-rider-strong Jr. Posse Youth Equestrian Riders of Compton, a drill team started about a year ago by two Compton mothers, will perform and compete each day of the rodeo. On Saturday, a dance will be held at 450 W. Raymond St., from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. The rodeo begins Friday at 11 a.m., with riders competing in traditional riding and roping events. Admission is discounted to $4 Friday only for ages 3-12; $5 for seniors. On Saturday, the show begins at noon; Sunday, 2 p.m. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $6. Alameda Auto Plaza, Auto Drive South and Alameda Street, Compton; (213) 733-1230.