MAKAWAO – The Maui Youth Rodeo Organization will hold a benefit on Saturday, March 24, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao. Admission is free.

The event will feature a rodeo competition, family fun events, jumping castles and food booths (hamburgers, hot dogs, chili bowls, dogs and nachos, and non-alcoholic drinks).

Spectators will enjoy rodeo activities of ACTRA team roping, open barrels, ribbon roping, open breakaway roping, ranch sorting and dummy roping.

As day turns into night, attendees can enjoy a Pulehu Steak Dinner at $15 per head; listen to live music provided by Benny Uyatake and Corey Lum & Friends, ending with deejay music for dancing; and live and silent auctions.

Parking will be free for the entire event.

This annual benefit is the group’s only event to raise funds for the future Rodeo Generation.

Monies help children to travel to state and national finals, and provide scholarships to seniors.

The organization helps to keep Maui’s paniolo heritage and spirit alive.

Its motto is “Training Arena Champions. Training Life Champions.”

The group provides a safe, fun and educational environment for all youth who are interested in the paniolo life.

Its members learn the rules of great sportsmanship, leadership traits, teamwork, to support each other and the daily care of animals.

As with all Hawaii Department of Education sports, members must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to participate.