Gothenburg rodeo attracts crowds over holiday weekend
A cowboy ropes a calf during the tie-down roping event at the start of the Pony Express Rodeo on July 3. In this event, participants had to lasso a calf and successfully tie it down. The calf had to stay tied for 6 seconds for the participant to score.
Mylie Michaelis sells bracelets and beaded animals to raise money for two of her sisters to go to a volleyball tournament in Hawaii.
A Velvet Spur rider carries the American flag around the rodeo arena.
A cowgirl heads towards the third barrel in the clover pattern of the barrel racing event at the Pony Express Rodeo.
A cowboy and his horse visit with children playing in the dirt by the rodeo arena fence while the arena is reset after barrel racing. Kids were allowed to pet the horse.
A boy chases a calf during the calf scramble July 3.
Kids play in the sandbox behind the bleachers at the Pony Express Rodeo. Coins were hidden in the sand for the kids to find.
Three little cowboys eagerly wait for the Kids Night rodeo show to begin.
A cowgirl ropes a calf during the breakaway event. In this event a string on the cowgirl’s lasso breaks away to let the rope slip from her grip.
Two cowboys walk a horse around the rodeo grounds in Gothenburg between events.
Large crowds filled the stands at the Pony Express Rodeo fairgrounds in Gothenburg July 3 and 4.
Extra seating was brought in to accommodate spectators, but even that wasn't enough.
Overflow crowds lined the ground in front of the bleachers, and many people gathered at nearby picnic tables during breaks in the action.
Kids Night featured a hugely popular mutton bustin' competition, drawing so many participants that organizers added a second night.
Children also enjoyed searching for money hidden in the sandbox behind the bleachers, and a calf scramble was held midway through the rodeo.
Winners of the calf scramble received cash prizes.
Concession stands and the beer garden remained open both nights, and the Gothenburg fireworks show followed the conclusion of Freedom Night July 4.
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Video by Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
Video by Ashley Mohler, Lexington Clipper-Herald
