 |
|
|
|
Rodeo Arena & Grandstand
|
| The present wooden grandstand was built in 1928 to seat 7,000 State Fair
patrons, and additional bleacher to both sides of the grandstand were added in
1945. From these historic bleachers one can view rodeo events like bareback
riding, bulldogging, calf roping, bull riding, Mexican rodeo exhibitions, horse
races and shows, trick riding, rodeo clowns, and car races.
|
 |
To the left is bulldogging, or steer wrestling, where a hazer rides to keep the calf straight while the dogger jumps off his moving horse, brings the calf to a full stop, and wrestles the calf's head and four hooves down into the same direction to win. |
|
To the right is brahma bull riding which is one of the most dangerous of all rodeo events. The basic rule is to stay on as long as possible while only holding on with one hand. Once the rider is bucked off the clowns will come out to distract the bull so that the rider can get away safely. |
 |
|
|
|
|
| The chutes, announcer's stand, and bandstand are where all the
performers animals and humans begin their performance while the rodeo
announcers, judges, and audience enjoy their often dangerous performances.
|
 |
To the left is the classic bronc riding where the rider must have his spurs over the horse's collar when leaving the chutes. Armed with bravery and balance he must stay on for 8 to 10 seconds without loosing his stirrup or using his other free hand. |
|
To the right is calf roping which takes a mixture of aim, coordination, and communication. The rider must lasso the running calf, tie three of the calfs legs together while keeping the rope taught, and must stay tied for six seconds. |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Built in 1943 the 9,987 square foot underground rodeo barn was
used for the stalling of rodeo stock. Due to runoff flooding the facility
temporary above ground stalls are now used for the bulls, horses, and calves.
|
 |
To the left are rodeo queens chosen annually not only for their beauty and personality, but also for their horsemanship and showmanship. |
|
To the right are jockeys vying for position in one of the many horse races that State Fair attendees can watch. |
 |
Last modified June 7, 2001
