Sunday, August 31, 2014

99th Annual Sonoita Rodeo

The Sonoita community has held a rodeo on the first weekend of September for 99 years!  Its particularly amazing as the population of Sonoita is about 800 and much of the labor is done by volunteers.  For the past few years Cody has had the stock contract for the rodeo, so it was a treat for us to see some of the cowboys that help us on our ranch, working the rodeo.  There was a nice tribute to Cody's grandfather, the patriarch of Three Links Ranch, who passed away a few days ago.  Madilyn found a comfortable spot to watch the rodeo, on top of a haystack.  Colter Lee, Traven, and Rio were just a few bales away, under unbrellas.  The rodeo had a terrific clown, rodeo princesses, loud country music, and plenty of popcorn.  We had a good time!
 
 

Sonoita Kids Rodeo

We arrived in Sonoita by noon yesterday, in time for the Kids Rodeo.  Colter Lee and Colter competed in the team roping event.  They didn't score a time, but they had fun!
Traven competed in the mutton riding event.  His ride was short and sweet, with Carly on the fence with her pink Ipad, Colter holding the gate, and Papa Larry in the shoot.  Lots of hugs followed!
 
  Madilyn won the girls barrel racing event, with a time of 17:33.  Congrats, Madilyn!