We spent the day walking around sampling the food, viewing the wares, relaxing at home during the afternoon--it did reach 106˚ Saturday for most of the day. When we returned, we came back for the Mutton Bustin', Bull Riding, and Steer Riding events. Those little guys doing the Mutton Bustin' are decked out head to toe--boots, jeans, and chaps, long-sleeve shirts, chest protector, and helmet. Some of the sheep, most had not been sheared, yet, did not want to cooperate, only taking four steps outside the chute and stopping. Some sheep headed for the shade, with the kids hanging on for all they're worth, and others, bless their heart, landed face first in the dirt.
After the Mutton Bustin', came the Bull Riding Round 1. Well, the crowd threw their support behind the boys, especially those Rankin boys, but no one could even come close to riding a round; instead, about four seconds was long as they could last.
Separating the Bull Riding rounds was the Steer Riding. This event was new to me, but it was fun to see, especially since two of the groups had kids doing the riding. The steers are in the chutes already roped. The announcer gave the call to open the chutes, and the fun began. Two men were responsible for wrestling the steer, and a third was responsible for getting the saddle on the steer. Once saddled, one of the partners had to ride the steer out of the arena.
After the Steer Riding was Bull Riding Round 2. This round saw some good action. Two of the riders rode 7.5 and 7.85 seconds and two riders rode a round. Fine, fun business. The second place rider received a 70 because his bull didn't buck much, and so he was offered a re-ride, which he took. Unfortunately, he only rode 6 seconds, but because he had completed a round, he did get the opportunity to ride the $1,000 bull. The 1st place winner also rode the $1,000 bull and won that prize money, too.
There was another Steer Riding event after the bulls, but this time someone got hurt and eventually was careflighted to San Angelo. There were no kids in that round, just grown men being hauled around the arena like little rag dolls. The rodeo clowns were great and presented some good acts.
After all the rodeo events it was time to announce the meat cooking winners. The Barbados (goat) had been supplied to all 40 entrants, but the brisket, ribs, spam, and chicken were brought in by the contestants. In addition to the cooking, showmanship awards were also given. After the judges bestowed the honors, it was time for the Hogg Maulies to start the evening's dancing. We sat around enjoying Kristi and Allison's company. Poor Denson was having to help guide traffic for the two careflights, and then go to northern Upton Co. to help put out a grassfire.
Sunday's festivities started off with the 4-wheeler Rodeo. Now, Allison texted us about the event, but Cody had already left Dallas, so I picked up his helmet before boarding the plane for Midland, so we were good to go. When we got to Barbados on Saturday, we discovered the event entry was $100 with the only payout going to 1st place. Since we didn't know what all we had to do, Cody decided we wouldn't enter the event, but it was fun to watch! Contestants zig-zagged through poles, did solo barrel racing, did partner barrel racing where they had to snag a flag, and then they did the sled-pull barrel racing. Some serious competition, but there were only three teams this year.
It was almost 2:00, which was the turn-in time for the ice cream. Kristi had her two batches and let Cody and I taste test. Kristi makes great ice cream, and I just love sampling her ice cream. After Kristi returned from submitting her ice cream, we then got to sample the salsa. Allison used us as guinea pig. Now, typically, I pass on salsa, but this was the best salsa I had ever eaten--hands down, and we eat at a lot of Mexican restaurants sampling salsa. Kristi submitted beans at 6:00, too. Cody and I came back a little before 7:00 to hear what Kristi and Allison won. They announced the beans first, and Kristi didn't place. Then, ice cream winners were announced,
and Kristi didn't place there, either. Regardless, Kristi's ice cream will always be 1st place in my book. Bread and chili winners were announced next, and then, it was salsa time. Allison sat next to us so she could hear. We were waiting to hear ticket no. 510293 announced. 3rd place wasn't even close to our number and neither was 2nd place. Then, they called 5102 pause 9 pause 3! We whooped and hollered, and Allison ran up to the announcers and handed in her stub. Cody went up to take Allison's picture with her 1st place check and plaque, and I got a big hug from Allison. It was a lot of fun seeing all the different festivities and activities and had me thinking about entering bread in a future Barbados. Afterall, Celeste won 1st place for her beans one year, so I guess I have to help hold up the family reputation of being winners!
and Kristi didn't place there, either. Regardless, Kristi's ice cream will always be 1st place in my book. Bread and chili winners were announced next, and then, it was salsa time. Allison sat next to us so she could hear. We were waiting to hear ticket no. 510293 announced. 3rd place wasn't even close to our number and neither was 2nd place. Then, they called 5102 pause 9 pause 3! We whooped and hollered, and Allison ran up to the announcers and handed in her stub. Cody went up to take Allison's picture with her 1st place check and plaque, and I got a big hug from Allison. It was a lot of fun seeing all the different festivities and activities and had me thinking about entering bread in a future Barbados. Afterall, Celeste won 1st place for her beans one year, so I guess I have to help hold up the family reputation of being winners!
