Stampede In The Park

The 15th Annual Stampede In The Park in Martin County happened this weekend, and it was fantastic. Rodeo is the most American of all events. It takes us back to the days when our nation was being founded. The cowboys that are the stars of the event worked in the West, but the shows that made Rodeo famous took place in the big cities of the East. Places like New York and Boston were homes to the most famous of the Rodeos. This is where these Western Stars came to show off the amazing skills that they used to build an empire in a wild land.

The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center Is An Impressive Home For The Stampede

Martin Community College and the Martin Community College Foundation put on a great show when they bring the Rodeo to our community. The Ken Treadway Rodeo organization provided the cowboys and the animals, and ran the show, and as usual they did a great job. However it is Martin Community College that we really need to thank.

Ken Treadway Rodeo Company Produces The Event For Martin County

As usual the show was kicked off by the parade of the Cowboys, led off by a native American rider carrying the American flag. The parade is a worthy spectacle to start the event, and shows off the people and horses that will remain the stars all through the evening.

Some Broncs And Some Cowboys, Waiting For The Event To Start

Ken Treadyway spent a few minutes telling us about the Rodeo business. He has a ranch in South Carolina, and raises the animals for his Rodeo, as well as others. As the Rodeo got under way it is clear that Ken is a hard working promoter, and he was everywhere getting things set up and making sure that things went smoothly.

Ken Treadway Personally Helped To Move Horses And Bulls Into The Stalls To Set Up The Rodeo

After the parade of the cowboys (and cowgirls) the first event was Bareback Bronc Riding. It was an exciting event, and the skill it takes to stay on one of these wild horses is very clear.

The Grand Parade Of Cowboys Finished With Our National Anthem

Next event was Steer Wrestling. They start that event with two cowboys chasing a steer, one to herd it close and the other to jump off and wrestle a 2,000 pound animal to the ground. I will pass on doing it, but it is impressive to watch it done.

This Is How Cowboys Have Always Made Their Living

Next the cowboys got back on the wild horses, this time with saddles for the Saddle Bronc Riding. The final event before intermission was calf roping.

Tough Job - Steer Wrestling - No Fake Wrestlers Here

After Intermission, we had the children's boot scrammble, Barrel Racing and Team Roping.

Calf Roping Requires You To Tie Its Legs

The final event was Bull Riding, and it deserves to be last, because it is the best. These animals are simply awesome and frightening creatures, and the cowboy who climbs on the back of a bull is displaying the courage and skill that has always made the Rodeo a popular American spectacle.