Last Wednesday night, Dave and I went to the Deschutes County Fair in Redmond, Oregon. The main event that we attended was the rodeo. Since the price of the fair ticket ($10 for me, free for Dave since seniors were free on opening day) included the rodeo, we couldn't pass up the chance to go to our first rodeo. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the rodeo.
The event started promptly at 6:30 pm with the entrance of a limousine containing the emcee, rodeo queens, and some of the better known rodeo participants.
The emcee was a great announcer. He explained what was happening in each event so that we weren't totally in the dark about the competitions. This announcer, making no apologies, opened with a prayer in Jesus' name. Before he prayed, he said, "this is how we do things around here." 
The rodeo was patriotic and family oriented. 
The rodeo queens were impressive, especially when they rode their horses around the arena. Look quick, because they go fast!
One of the queens opened the rodeo by singing the national anthem.
A drill team performed...
...and then it was time for the events. We saw bucking bronco riding, both with saddles and without, calf roping, breakaway calf roping (done by women), and steer wrestling. 
All events happened very quickly and it was hard to snap a picture before the event was over! We didn't stay for the whole rodeo because we wanted to have some time to see the rest of the fair, but we now have a new sport to follow--rodeo!
The midway rides were run by Funtastic, the carnival that our blogger friends, Ali and Ron, worked for last spring and summer.
This ride looked fun and different:
This fair was a lot of fun, especially since we were camped next door at the RV park and could walk back and forth.
It's hard for me to imagine someone not having been to a rodeo before. Growing up in Montana they were one of our major forms of entertainment. Bull Riding is always one of my favorite cause it can get really exciting. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI bet you guys really enjoyed the rodeo. It gives you a better appreciation to the skills those guys develop.
ReplyDeleteEven better was being next door and just having to walk to the event and not get out and drive.
Take care!
giddy-up there cowboy and cowgirl!..love the rodeo!!!..great photos and it sure looks like it was a fun time for everyone!!
ReplyDeleteWe do not get to see them very often, but we love rodeos. Last on was in Cody WY last fall.
ReplyDeleteRodeos are still one of the most "American" of events, especially in the smaller towns.
ReplyDeleteIf you talk to Doug (of Sue & Doug) he might confess to enjoying a bull riding event now and then.
Have to confess, I have never been to a live rodeo!! Sounds like a fun event. That last photo is so funny - I have never seen anything like that. I would be afraid of running out of air - but then I tend to be a little claustrophobic! Looks like the youngsters are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteRodeos were a big part of our lives when our kids were wee! We lived in Livermore, CA, then, and the town had its own annual rodeo. Then in Montana we followed the rodeo once in a while. We were toying with the idea of the Calgary Stampede this year -- had a great opportunity, but the family gatherings took precedence. So glad you got to your first one, and I'll bet we'll hear about more rodeos in your future!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw you were at the fair in Redmond I wondered if Funtastic was there. That would have been the White Unit and we traveled with the Blue Unit but have friends in the White Unit. Seeing the ferris wheel and the Funtastic generator box brought back happy memories and a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteRodeos are fun. We took Max to one when he was here a couple of weeks ago. We are going again over Labor Day weekend in Bandera - they have one Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights!
Take care and have fun in your travels.
we used to go to the Rodeo all the time when I was little. My dad rode the bucking bronco horses, brahma bulls and did the calf roping. Haven't been to one in years.
ReplyDeleteWe took our grandson's to the fair the other night and they had those big bubble balloons in the water, our 12 yr old loved getting into it and trying to stand up.
Glad your having a good time.