2018 Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo

The calendar flipped over to February and once again, that time of year for the livestock shows.  After showing in the Parish show, we brought Benjamin to the Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo in Lake Charles.  We brought Clarabelle and her little bull calf, Astro, so we wouldn't have to milk Clarabelle while at the show.  The weather proved to be as it usually is for the shows - cold, wet, and grey.

On Thursday, we got Clarabelle and Astro settled into the barn with the other Jefferson Davis Parish exhibitors and families and then got her all washed up, fed, and watered.  The day wasn't over, though.  Thursday night is Exhibitor Night in which all the kids showing livestock get free tickets to the rodeo.  We always like to go.  It is Americana at its finest - an opening prayer, Old Glory being ridden into the arena by a pretty cowgirl on a horse.  Funny thing, I didn't notice a single person kneeling during the Anthem.

We like all the events, but one that stands out to me is the Calf Scramble.  This is where they turn a bunch of 4-H exhibitors loose on an arena containing 20 wild calves.  The object of the event is that the kids are to catch a calf, put a halter on it, and push, pull or drag it into a square roped off in the center of the arena.  Actually, many of the kids are the ones being dragged by the calves!  The first three exhibitors to do so win $1,000 that they are to use to purchase an animal to show next year.  Here is a photo of the first exhibitor that got an animal into the square.  Good for him!
 

The final event of the night is always bull riding.  I say it every year, "These guys are crazy."  For the life of me, I can't see what would entice someone to get on the back of a bull weighing between 1,200 - 2,000 pounds and try to ride him for 8 seconds. 

While a few ride the bulls, many get thrown into the air and into the dirt.  It is then that the equally crazy clowns save their lives by placing themselves between the fallen cowboy and the angry bull.



Benjamin had the opportunity of walking out on the arena floor during the middle of the rodeo and be recognized for his achievements showing Clarabelle.  Tricia and I were very proud!

Back when I was showing, they had what they called a "Parade of Champions" in which exhibitors got to walk out all the champion and reserve champion livestock.  I think they changed this somewhere along the line so that it is only the kids (and not the animals with them) that walk out to be recognized - probably that it made the rodeo last too long.

Before the rodeo, many of the people that attend walk across to where the animals are located with their kids and grandkids and view the animals.  We let the kids pet the livestock and talk to them about the projects.  Many adults rekindle old memories of milking cows, raising pigs, showing sheep or beef cattle and re-connect with their past.  The livestock show, while being a LOT of work, is a LOT of fun, too!