MOSES LAKE - Some of the top cowboys from around the country are competing at the 69th annual Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo, which started yesterday and runs through Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Grant County Fair.

"We have lot of quality riders, ropers, wrestlers and barrel racers taking part in the competition," said Doug Rathbone, director of the Columbia Basin Rodeo Association. "Some will come from as far away as California and Texas. We've even had folks from North Carolina and Florida participate in past years."

Those attending the Roundup are sure to be on the edge of their seats. They will be treated to thrilling bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down roping and barrel racing.

Cowboys will be competing for points that may help them qualify for an opportunity to participate in the Wrangler National Finals in Las Vegas, Nev. in December.

Also scheduled to appear are the McMillian Trick Riders from Soap Lake.

"They are a group of pretty talented 7- to 10-year-olds who'll be performing at intermission of the rodeo," said Trish Beckner, office manager for the Roundup. "They are expected to display their skills at approximately 8:45."

Beckner said an event called "Slack" will take place Friday morning. It will follow an early breakfast that is free to the public from 6 to 8 a.m.

"We often have too many ropers and barrel racers sign up for rodeo, so the Slack event is designed to give the spill-over ropers and racers a venue in which to perform," Beckner said.

Rodeo action gets started at 7:30 p.m. each night. Advanced tickets for adults are $13. Tickets at the gate are $15. Admission for children ages 7 to 9 is $5, and kids 6 an under get in free.

Tickets can be purchased at the downtown rodeo office at 1036 West Broadway. Tickets can also be purchased on line at www.moseslakeroundup.com.

For more information, contact the rodeo office at (509) 765-8311 or (509) 765-6393.