The first rodeo event in Atlantic City arrives at Boardwalk Hall April 1 through April 3. The city has been playing it up pretty heavily, and a couple of horses and riders even marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 12.

   For those who don’t care to attend, there are several free events in town that weekend.

   The rodeo organizers are trying to stage a record-breaking country line dance on the boardwalk on April 1. No, it’s not an April Fool’s joke. Show up at noon  in front of Boardwalk Hall to participate. If you’re afraid of embarrassing yourself, there is a rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. on Friday March 25 in The Quarter at the Tropicana, where you can learn the Boardwalk Rodeo Stomp, whatever that is. Log on to acboardwalkrodeo.com for details.

   If line dancing isn’t your thing, or you have to work on Friday, The Walk retail outlets are hosting a Wild, Wild Walk Country Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 2. There will be live entertainment, a petting zoo, free pony rides for the kids and giveaways, and community groups will set up tables to showcase their services. The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City will host a chili cook-off, and for a donation, visitors can sample about 10 different creations. For the bargain hunters, most of the shops will hold a sidewalk sale.

   If you want to go to the rodeo itself, tickets range from $16 to $102. Log on to www.atlanticcityrodeo.com for information.

   And if you don’t like rodeos and think they mistreat the animals, there’s a place for you in the scene, too. Animal rights groups are saying that AC stands for “animal cruelty,” and is demonstrating in front of Boardwalk Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 1.

   Whatever you choose to do, it promises to be an exciting weekend in Atlantic City.

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