Spurls and Swirls

Aspen Lang

Staff

Bull rider makes the eight seconds. Photo Courtesy of Aspen Lang

There is nothing quite like a night at a small town rodeo. The fans and supporters, friends and families, food, smells, livestock and competition.

A night full of adrenaline and good times. Friday, March 21 in the Black Hawk Arena in Salina the patriotic love was strong as they led off with a beautiful prayer from a member in the community. Praying for safety over the participants, judges, livestock and thanking for our freedom. The national anthem was sung while a rodeo team member rode her horse round the arena carrying the strong and beautiful flag of America. Cheering on for the college and excitement ringing out at their successes. 

It was a full rodeo experience as there were many smells, cheers, food, beautiful livestock and adrenaline pumped riders, creating a nostalgic sense for many and a new lively experience for others.

 Bronc riding is a crowd favorite. The majority of the participants made the buzzer. One exciting ride later the guy had eight seconds, barely making the buzzer, and almost got bucked off and dragged into the next arena. Snow's mascot, the badger, rode around between events tossing out candy to the crowd of young and old. Bulldogging had a few struggles but most were able to wrestle the steer down in a good time.

 CJ Perea says, “It was my first rodeo in a while and I loved watching the bull riding. It was pretty cool to see the courage in the rider and the roping of the bull back into the pen.” Team roping, this difficult sport requires timing and skill, a hard night with slow times getting out the gate and waiting too long to rope the steer. 

The boot run challenge was a good watch as the participants took off their boots, ran to the other side of the arena, put it on, then ran back to the start. Winners received 250 dollars and an up price in ego. Many laughs with this challenge, people falling left and right and boots flying through the air. Connor Headman says “I always love going to the rodeo, even though I know the events, anything can happen in a blink of an eye.”