Edenton Championship Rodeo

The Edenton American Legion is sponsoring their third annual Championship Rodeo and last night was opening night . It was fantastic The gates, pony rides and concessions opened at 6:00 PM. Feyer Ford Lincoln Mercury of Plymouth and Williamston is the Center Gate Sponsor for the event, and their efforts are much appreciated. The American Legion grounds were well prepared for the large crowd, and signs guided the entering vehicles back to the parking at the rear of the facility. As I walked in from the parking lot I passed a number of trucks and trailers that had the cowboy's horses already saddled.

The Horses Were Simply Magnificent

The Rodeo performers are provided by Mid-Atlantic Professional Rodeo Association. Click on the title of this article above to visit their web site and find out more about their other events, including the two World Championship events they put on here in North Carolina. Alltel Wireless is the season sponsor for their circuit. Behind the rodeo facility that had been built on the American Legion Fairgrounds were the pens for all the stock, wild horses and bulls, that would be the challenge for the evening.

Stock Pens For The Wild Horses And Bulls

The Edward G. Bond Post 40 American Leion, is a non-profit fraternal organization supporting the care of disabled veterans, widows of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and our children who are the leaders of tomorrow. The proceeds from the rodeo are put back into the community and primarily goes to support American Legion Baseball and various other orgnizations that do good works in our community.

Rodeo Staff Gets Organized

The concession stand was equipped with just about everything you can imagine, from saddles to hats, and you can still buy things by calling (704) 882-6994 or go on line at arealcowboystore.com Two gorgeous cowgirls were on hand to help you with your selection of souvenirs.

The Souvenir Stand Sold Just About Everything

There were plenty of beautiful cowgirls in the stands as well.

One Of Many Local Cowgirls Filling The Stands

Participants Were Everywhere Getting Ready For The Competition

As Event Time Approached, Contestants Started Mounting Up

Many Local Moms And Dads Brought Their Families

The Stands Were Jammed By Start Time

Rodeo Announcer Roger Harrris Starts The Event

The Procession Is Led By The American Flag

The National Anthem Is Played

The first event was bronc riding.

These Are Essentially Wild Horses That Don't Tolerate Men Riding Them

A Contestant Doesn't Make The 8 Seconds

Another Contestant Doesn't Make The 8 Seconds And Has To Have Help To Walk Away

There Is Plenty Of Action With These Horses

The Winner Finishes His 8 Seconds And Gets Help To Dismount

Some Kids Were Allowed To Win A Watermelon . . . After Providing Some Humor By Crawling Around On the Rodeo Floor

Next We Enjoyed The Calf And Steer Roping Contests

This Is Harder Than It Looks!

Steer Roping Takes A Team . . . And This Night All The Steers Won

During Intermission I Got A Chance To Meet Some Of The Chowan County Sheriffs Department Who Were Providing Security

E.C. Toppin Was Presented A Trophy In Recognition Of The American Legion Rodeo Winning Honors As The Best New Rodeo Two Years Ago

One Of The Clowns Who Provided Safety And Humor Throughout The Evening

A Special Ceremony Honoring America's Fighting Forces Ended With Fireworks . . . Which Also Ended The Intermission

After Intermission we got to enjoy the two most popular events of the rodeo, barrell racing and bull riding. Bull riding is always the highlight of the evening and always concludes the rodeo.

Barrel Racing Is Fast Paced And Requires A Horse With Great Ability

One Horse And Rider Took A Bad Tumble At This Point

However All The Contestants Still Had A Great Time

This Bring Us To The Final Event . . BULL RIDING!

Staying On Is Not Easy

These 2,000 Pound Animals Are Awesome Athletes And It Takes Amazing Skill To Stay Aboard

Bull riding ends the rodeo because there is simply nothing else to equal it. It is the perfect conclusion to a great night.


Final night of the Edenton Championship Rodeo is tonight. Don't miss it!

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