Pass the bucket, raise money for breast cancer awareness research and awareness at the rodeo, Saturday and Sunday

PALMER— This Saturday and Sunday is a chance to witness the cowboys and cowgirls from across the state and even outside the country at the annual RAM Championship Tour finals with Rodeo Alaska completion at the Alaska State Fair. It’s also a chance to support local Alaskans suffering from breast cancer with their partner, Fred Meyer, as volunteers pass metal buckets around the stand to raise funds.

Although Fred Meyer has been Rodeo Alaska’s partner since 2010, this is the first time they will send Palmer store manager, Dean Forkner, out for this particular project. Alaska Rodeo manager and coach, Frank Kolosky, said Forkner is the “perfect fit” for his “Tough Alaskans Wear Pink” event at the rodeo.

“Dean is all about community. I’ve known him for darn near 10 years and I think he just wanted to bring it to the roots, he is very good with the community. It works well,” Kolosky said.

Forkner was more humble about the matter and wanted the focus on the cause and Fred Meyer getting the credit.

“I’m a fan of all things local… It’s important stuff,” Forkner said.

The 2018 championship rodeo is this Saturday and Sunday, and the gates open at noon and everything spurs off at 2 p.m. Kolosky said that since the “Let’ give breast cancer the boot” program was conceived in 2012, Rodeo Alaska has allocated nearly $100,000 to breast cancer research and awareness that all stays within the state.

“It’s the Palmer fair and guides us to the sign, that summer’s almost over,” he said.

There will be special presentation for the cause and the bucket will be passed around throughout the various cowboy and cowgirl events.

There will be a plethora of rodeo riders this year of all ages. Kolosky said that each year, more youth riders join their ranks.

“The key thought is since we started in 2010, we have actually started a junior rodeo program three years ago, with 30-40 kids. Now, this weekend, starting at 6 p.m. we will over 150 kids participating in this rodeo. It’s amazing.”

For more information, event schedules and prices, visit: www.alaskastatefair.org/site/events/colony-days-rodeo.