Area youth shine during the Little Britches rodeo

Friday, July 11, 2003

The smell of freshly popped popcorn mixed with the aroma of livestock set the scene for a night mixed of food and fun at the fairgrounds Thursday evening. Kids from all over the area came to compete in a variety of events to show off and perfect their rodeo skills. The event was kicked off with the Star Spangled Banner and a prayer and moved directly into the event of mutton busting. The least dangerous of the events, mutton busting is open to children under the age of eight. Judging for the event is a tough call, since 49 children participated in Thursday's rodeo and an estimated 100 will participate in Friday night's event. The judge awards points to the mutton busters based on multiple categories: distance, amount of assistance and how long they can hold on. Next, was the Jr. and Sr. Bareback riding competitions, the calf undressing, the Breakaway, the Drill Team, Junior and Senior Barrels and finally Junior and Senior Bull riding. Roughly 90 kids, and 50 adult helpers, participated in the first night of the two day event. Friday night the rodeo is expected to last until as late as 1 a.m. At the end of the rodeo Friday night, few spectators are still around, therefore, instead of an awards ceremony, the top three winners in each category will have to wait to receive their actual award in the mail. The livestock for this event come from all over the area. Friday's rodeo will begin at the fairgrounds, located directly behind the Nevada subway, at 8 p.m.

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