The longest eight seconds

A good opening night crowd was on hand to welcome the 12th annual Vernon County Youth Fair Rodeo Thursday night. Approximately 300 contestants will vie for prizes in the three day event. Last years princess, Meagan Westerhold, started the festivities off by carrying the U.S. flag around the arena while the national anthem was sung. Once the events began rodeo clown Shane Parli, Fort Scott, was on hand to keep the crowd entertained as well as to help protect riders from angry animals. Clowns are an important part of any rodeo and Parli demonstrated both abilities Thursday. Two vendors were on hand for any last minute purchases contestants might need in the way of hats, ropes and other equipment. Tucson-based Wandering Cowboys, who wandered into town after hearing about the event on their way to a different rodeo and Choo Choo Ropes, a returning vendor from Gridley Kansas, offered their wares for passing customers. Shelly Pitts, fair board member, said that 2,500 people were expected for the final night of the rodeo Saturday. "That's when we crown the princess and queen and all the events wind up then so it's what everyone comes to see." The rodeo is usually the biggest fund-raiser for the Nevada Lions Club, which traditionally donates $1,000 of the proceeds to the Vernon County Youth Fair. This year Habitat for Humanity is also going to be a recipient of funds from the rodeo according to Lion's Club member Leonard Ernsbarger. "We depend on the rodeo for money we can use to help worthy projects in the area. Without it we would be hard pressed to come up with enough for our goals," Ernsbarger said. The rodeo will continue tonight and Saturday night at the Vernon County Fair Grounds.