On August 28, 2009, Sacramento’s Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association (SCCGRA) presented Saddle Pals, a program of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento, with a check for $8,000. The presentation took place at the W-Bar Ranch in Elverta, CA. Saddle Pals was selected to be the beneficiary of funds raised at by Capital Crossroads 9th Sierra Stampede Rodeo and Festival, held June 5-7, 2009. Saddle Pals is a therapeutic horsemanship program that provides services to children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Established in 1993, the program is accredited through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). For additional information Sa

"It's huge, it's huge, it's huge!" exclaimed George Raya. "I'm so excited. The rodeo is coming to town!" Now, it's true that Raya is the publicist for the Ninth Annual Sierra Stampede Rodeo & Festival, produced by Capital Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association. But it's also true that he has a lot to be excited about. With gay rodeo groups in Reno, Los Angeles and San Francisco reportedly unable to put on their rodeos this year, Sacramento's event this weekend is the only such rodeo in this part of the country. Raya says it will draw more than 100 competitors and nearly 1,000 fans to the Central Park Horse Arena at 848 Elkhorn Blvd. in Rio Linda. Those numbers would be nearly double last year'