Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2011 > June > 26 > Entry
KittyPalooza and Cedar Park Rodeo
Thursday night, Austinites could participate in two very different events dedicated to animals. KittyPalooza is an annual adoption drive put together by the Austin Humane Society. The Cedar Park Rodeo is a new addition to the suburban arena that already hosts the Austin Toros, Texas Stars and entertainment events.
Janet Harris and Ryan Babb
The Thursday kick-off for the feline fest at the Mean-Eyed Cat — really only six kittens and dozens of people — was just the start of the weekend’s mass adoption, which usually nets more than 100 new homes for the little balls of fur. I learned a good deal from foster mom Janet Harris, whose family has taken temporary care of three litters. (During a previous fostering experience, they broke their own rules and adopted one.)
Sarah Hammond and Mindy Vescovo
The fostering process seems staggeringly simple: A little paperwork and you take home new little friends which eventually — through digital listings, short interviews and events like KittyPalooza — end up in permanent homes. Harris’ litter of orange and gray attracted a node of admirers on the dive’s patio.
Jessica Bryant and James Hernandez
A three-day visit from the Del Rio-based Bad Company Rodeo was the first occasion to fill the still relatively new Cedar Park Center with dirt. Several hundred people, some in Western garb, gathered at the south end of the arena for professional bull riding, clowning and “mutton bustin’,” which involves tiny children trying to stay atop pretty feisty sheep.
Although I have attended rodeos all my life, I must admit that bull riding has always terrified me. I’m sure that’s part of the thrill. The bulls are just so enormous and powerful. The riders and fighters take their lives and well-beings in their hands every time the gates opens.
Only one ride during expertly emceed series netted a 90 score. Famed clown Luke ‘Leon’ Coffey’s broke up the rides with an elaborate and loud exploding car act. I’ll add the names of the night’s winners when either Bad Company or the center confirms them.
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