'Grey's Anatomy' actor James Pickens, Jr. attends Clovis Jackpot Roping event

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Excitement for this year's Clovis Rodeo is already building with Saturday's annual Jackpot Roping event. Dozens of cowboys and cowgirls went to the rodeo grounds for the chance to win big money and a silver belt buckle.

In the audience was actor James Pickens, Jr. from ABC's hit show "Grey's Anatomy." Pickens will bring his sixth annual charity roping event to the Clovis Rodeo on April 21. The actor says he's always been a fan of the western lifestyle and calls it his escape from the Hollywood bustle.

"This is what makes it worthwhile. I've been doing this for 35 years now, and it's good to have an outlet," said Pickens, Jr. "It's at a wonderful facility here at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, and these folks have made us feel so at home and so welcome and so gracious, and I think they're going to see some of the best ropers in the world come April 21st, and it's going to be a blast."

Proceeds from the James Pickens, Jr. charity roping event will help children in need and even send them to a cowboy camp to learn more about the western lifestyle.

That event will kick off the 101st Clovis Rodeo Week. The rodeo runs April 23-26.