It's a wild, wild west weekend in Palm Springs where thousands have turned out for the Palm Springs Wild West Fest, but some people aren't too happy it's in town.
The last rodeo was 17 years ago and now organizers said they brought it back to bring the west back to Palm Springs and to honor late cowboy, Mayor Frank Bogert, but some people said they would rather not have the rodeo at all.
Protesters gathered across the street from the rodeo in Palm Springs they said the idea of a rodeo embraces animal cruelty.
"Any sort of event that uses exploits and abuses any animal is wrong," said protest organizer Lori Krishner.
But some rodeo organizers said all of the animals are very well taken care of and no animal is ever mistreated. Andrea Robinson who brought her family to the rodeo said some people are just not educated on what goes on at rodeo's.
"Everybody is entitled to their opinion and usually people who have that mentality I don't think have dealt a lot with horses or with cattle so they don't realize a lot of these people have a lot of respect for animals," said Robinson.
Francine Curtis said she's an animal lover, but doesn't believe the animals are being mis-treated at the rodeo. Adding she thinks it's nice to see something different like the rodeo in Palm Springs.
"There's a lot of cowboys and cowgirls out here and we just don't have this type of thing here, everything is resort and golf and I like to have something different," said Curtis.
Robinson said it's a great outdoor family event.
"I came out her to take the girls to the rodeo so they can see another way of life away from technology and the computer and televisions."
Rodeo organizers also said the animals are very valuable to them and there is always a veterinarian on-site making sure the animals are okay.
For more information, please visit www.palmspringswestfest.com or call 800-664-5617.
