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Mounted shoot, dance to highlight Territorial Days
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| Encampment: Members of the Arizona Rangers in their camp at recent event. |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The Benson Company of the Arizona Rangers is hoping to build on last year's Arizona Rangers Territorial Days celebration with the second annual event this weekend at the Benson Arena.
Feb. 14 marks the 98th anniversary of Arizona statehood.
Building on last year's premiere event, the main event will once again be cowboy mounted shooting courtesy of Tucson's Old Pueblo Peacemakers shooting club. The shoot, a Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association sanctioned competition, will feature world champions in several classes.
Cowboy mounted shooting became a recognized sport in 1992, originating in Arizona. It has now has grown to every state, and several other countries. It is a multifaceted equestrian sport in which contestants compete in timed stages using two single-action .45-caliber revolvers loaded with blank ammunition to break balloons while negotiating a specific course on horseback.
Brad Cherry, treasurer of the Benson Company, said they expect more competitors this year, and are hoping residents will come out to support the annual celebration.
The two-day event begins Saturday at 10 a.m., when competition begins. Besides the competition, Cherry said they are also expecting more vendors, and will cap off the first day with a dance at the Arena Bar Saturday evening.
"We are hoping the weather holds up for this weekend's events," Cherry said. "We are hoping for the same, if not a better turnout than last year."
Funds raised from the two-day event not only provide the company money to award local students scholarships, but also allow the company to purchase essential equipment that keeps the Rangers in operation throughout the year.
After being created almost three years ago, the Rangers have proven vital to the community, especially to the local school districts where they provide security at sporting events.
While the Arizona Rangers have taken over as hosts, Territorial Days is not a new event for Benson. Before it lapsed, the event was sponsored by the Benson Merchants Association.
There is no charge for admission to this weekend's celebration, but the Arizona Rangers will be accepting donations at the event and at the dance on Saturday night.
The Benson Company of the Arizona Rangers is hoping to build on last year's Arizona Rangers Territorial Days celebration with the second annual event this weekend at the Benson Arena.
Feb. 14 marks the 98th anniversary of Arizona statehood.
Building on last year's premiere event, the main event will once again be cowboy mounted shooting courtesy of Tucson's Old Pueblo Peacemakers shooting club. The shoot, a Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association sanctioned competition, will feature world champions in several classes.
Cowboy mounted shooting became a recognized sport in 1992, originating in Arizona. It has now has grown to every state, and several other countries. It is a multifaceted equestrian sport in which contestants compete in timed stages using two single-action .45-caliber revolvers loaded with blank ammunition to break balloons while negotiating a specific course on horseback.
Brad Cherry, treasurer of the Benson Company, said they expect more competitors this year, and are hoping residents will come out to support the annual celebration.
The two-day event begins Saturday at 10 a.m., when competition begins. Besides the competition, Cherry said they are also expecting more vendors, and will cap off the first day with a dance at the Arena Bar Saturday evening.
"We are hoping the weather holds up for this weekend's events," Cherry said. "We are hoping for the same, if not a better turnout than last year."
Funds raised from the two-day event not only provide the company money to award local students scholarships, but also allow the company to purchase essential equipment that keeps the Rangers in operation throughout the year.
After being created almost three years ago, the Rangers have proven vital to the community, especially to the local school districts where they provide security at sporting events.
While the Arizona Rangers have taken over as hosts, Territorial Days is not a new event for Benson. Before it lapsed, the event was sponsored by the Benson Merchants Association.
There is no charge for admission to this weekend's celebration, but the Arizona Rangers will be accepting donations at the event and at the dance on Saturday night.
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