Victoria Open Pro Rodeo in Riverside Park

Area cowboys will soon have the chance to kick up some dirt, show off their skills and give back to the community. The Victoria Open Pro Rodeo spans July 26 and 27 at Riverside Park's Horsemen's Club Arena, 404 Memorial Drive.

Proceeds from the rodeo, which is now in its third year, benefit Mid-Coast Family Services' Women's Crisis Center and Victoria's Challenged Athletes Dream Complex, said Ginny Stafford, Mid-Coast's CEO. Mid-Coast's Women's Crisis Center assists men, women and children who are victims of family violence, according to an event flyer. It also helps homeless women and their children. Meanwhile, the Challenged Athletes Dream Complex is a nonprofit group aimed at offering athletic opportunities to youth and adults with physical disabilities. Stafford called the partnership between the two organizations a good one. "Those athletes face some of the same challenges our women do. They haven't been given a fair shake in life," she explained to the Victoria Advocate. "This is a great way for us to partner and help them move forward."

The Victoria Open Pro Rodeo is at the Horsemen's Club Arena inside Victoria's Riverside Park at 8 p.m. July 26 and 27. Tickets will be $10 at the door, but children 8 and under get in free. Call Mid-Coast Family Services at 361-575-7842 for more information on the pro rodeo.