GWINN, Mich. (WZMQ) -The Great Lakes Rodeo is back and celebrating its 20th year entertaining families in Forsyth Township. For 17-year-old rodeo queen and avid cowgirl Avery Osterland, this is not her first rodeo.
“I started riding when I was about three years old; however, I did not start rodeo queening until I was 12,” admitted Osturlund
She’s been sitting tall in the saddle and actively involved with the Great Lakes Rodeo for the past five years, most recently as the Rodeo Queen.
“I don’t necessarily know what drew me to it, but I just know that once you start, you can’t stop. It’s just a passion you carry with you for life,” said Osterlund.
Avery, who will be a senior at West Iron County High School, loves the small-town atmosphere of Marquette County’s own rodeo.
Especially being in Gwinn. There’s so much of that small-town, community sense to it, and I really like that because everyone you talk to is so helpful,” said Avery.
The annual Father’s Day tradition features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and other bovine-related activities, as well as a parade, live entertainment, and vendors of all kinds.
“Of utmost concern to rodeo organizers is the care and treatment of their animals, but rest assured, these four-legged athletes are treated incredibly well”.
“Those animals are treated awesome, because you know they’re their money makers, so they want them to be treated the absolute best. The PRC actually has over 70 rules that are just purely based on animal welfare,” explained Osterlund.
In addition to the traditional rodeo fun, this weekend is also Gwinn Fun Daze, the annual community festival in Nordine Park.
“Yeah, our 20th anniversary. There is lots to do out here, lots of different vendors. I would just trust that everybody comes out and watches. I think there’s something for absolutely everybody here,” said Osterlund.
