Gilmer County citizens got to attend a special two-night rodeo this weekend held on Friday, September 21st and Saturday, September 22nd, by the Gilmer County Saddle Club and Ronnie Thompson Ford. The weekend rodeo featured entertainment from Hendricks Rodeo Company, a company out of Haskell, Oklahoma, that teams with the International Professional Rodeo Association to provide “quality rodeo” and “patriotism” by hosting such competitions in events such as bareback bronc riding and professional bull riding.

As for bull riding, this weekend’s hard-nosed event featured a total of five bull riders earning winnings from the event. However, it was professional bull rider Levi Whitlock, who walked away the weekend’s big winner.

Another exciting event for the fans that also gave money to each of its top competitors was the tie-down roping event. This event, an event that combines horseback riding with cattle roping, proved significant for the crowd by featuring professional riders such as the top-ten nationally ranked Cory Kirk. Kirk, who awed the crowd with his skill, left the rodeo in second place in the event.

Other highlights from the rodeo, included the 2012 Mrs. Apple Queen Colbie Chastain, greeting the fans at the rodeo, and the always enjoyable hysterics from the night’s rodeo clown.

However, while Hendricks Rodeo Company provided most of the entertainment for the show, surprisingly, it seemed to be the night’s wheelbarrow race between local community leaders ETC-3, ACE Hardware, and the Gilmer County Saddle Club, that delighted the crowd most of all. In the end, it was the Saddle Club who would come out victorious in the friendly Saturday night race.

Overall, the rodeo provided some quality entertainment and excitement, and was a nice event for the entire community. It would be safe to say that fans and businesses a like already can’t wait for the next one!

For pictures from the night’s rodeo, please view the slideshow below.