Saturday, November 04, 2006

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.








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