Happy Thanksgiving, And Now On To Christmas

Traditionally we put up our Christmas decorations on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, the house looks pretty good. I hope this will be a good Christmas Season. During a time of war, it seems that family and friends mean more than ever. Hold all yours close and pray for our troops overseas.

Christmas Decorations Are What Set The Mood

And God Bless you all.

16th Annual - STAMPEDE IN THE PARK

Last night was opening night for the Martin Community College "STAMPEDE IN THE PARK", eastern North Carolina's premier rodeo.

Senator Bob Martin - Eastern Agricultural Center

This event is annually promoted by Ken Treadway Rodeo as a part of the Oklahoma City based International Professional Rodeo Association Championship Series. The STAMPEDE IN THE PARK rodeos are organized by the Martin Community College Foundation.

Rodeo Organizer - Martin Community College Foundation

This year the Martin Community College Foundation dedicated the event to 18 year board member, Elton Hardy, who has worked dilligently to create over 15 endowments for the foundation. Mr. Hardy has served as both President and Vice President of the Foundation. He also served on the committee that first recommended holding the professional rodeo that has become this great annual event. Elton is a life-long resident of Martin County.

Inside The Bob Martin Center - Waiting For The Stampede To Start

The Opening Parade - A Spectacle Everyone Loves

This year the Rodeo made a special presentation of the flags of our four branches of service, and honored all the veterans who have served our nation in recognition of the ongoing sacrifices being made during this time of war.

United States Marine Corps Flag

Promoter Ken Treadway Was Everywhere Keeping Things Moving

Gary Trammell is one of the very best rodeo announcers, and also designs and maintains web sites, including his own web site where he promotes the careers of of rodeo personnel.

Announcer Gary Trammell Keeps The Crowd Informed

The opening of this years "Stampede in the Park" featured the introduction of the recently elected "World Champion Bucking Horse", Lone Wolf. Rodeo stock companies like the "Ken Treadway Rodeo" company are very proud when the rodeo participants elect one of their animals to be the best in a category. It is quite an honor.

World Champion Bucking Horse - Lone Wolf

The traditional opening event for rodeos is always Bronc Riding. There are two events for Bronc Riding, one with saddles and one bareback.

Bronc Riding

The next event at this year's rodeo was Steer Wrestling.

Steer Wrestling

Calf Roping

At intermission, I went looking for the President of Martin Community College. She is always working to make this event a great success, and I wanted to thank her. I found her helping out in the hospitality suite.

Dr. Ann Britt, President Of Martin Community College, With Hazel Whitfield

The Concession Stands Had Great Chili Dogs This Year

Intermission was ended by a trick rope demonstration.

The Trick Rope Demonstration Ended With A Spectacular Flaming Rope Exhibition

Next up was what they traditionally call the "Boot Scramble", since the winners win a pair of cowboy boots. This is where a calf with a ribbon tied to his tail is turned loose and the goal is to chase it down. The winner is the first person to grab the ribbon and pull it free. This year the normal two events was expanded to three. Usually the event is held for the boys and girls from the audience who are between the ages of 6 and 12. This year they added an event. A boot scramble for "Mommas". All three events were fun and as always, humorous, watching people try to grab the ribbon. Those calves can really run.

Boot Scramble For Girls

Boot Scamble for Boys

Boot Scramble For Mommas

After the audience settled down and everyone got back in their seats, the rodeo participants took over with the next event, the ever popular Barrell Racing.

First You Have To Negotiate Around 3 Barrells

Then You Race For The Finish Line

An MCC Student Tries Her Hand

Steer Roping Is The Team Event Of Rodeo

The final event of the rodeo is always Bull Riding. The reason is simple. Bull Riding is the most popular event because it is the most spectacular event. Staying on a 2000 pound bull for 8 seconds has got to be as tough as anything man ever tries to accomplish.

Bull And Rider Explode From The Chute

One Cowboy Headed For The Dirt

Audience Members Tried Their Hand At Riding The Mechanical Bull

Making The 8 Seconds On 2000 Pound Bulls Is Impressive

And then it was over. Nobody dashes for the exit. People dawdle and stop by the many vendor stands to buy cowboy hats and cowboy boots, T-shirts and various other mementos of the night. Everyone is talking about the night. Rodeos are absolutely the most fun you can have. See you next year.