Rodeo Day One: Commentary

The rodeo started about 7:30, beginning with a show by the Prairie Dusters, a ladies' team of trick riders. Next came bare back bronc riding, then some steer roping, some saddle bronc riding, team roping (wink), barrel racing and bull riding. It was rather exhilerating seeing people getting tossed off and trampled by gigantic animals. The cowboys were really impressive (and cute. Also cute) and sometimes there was some big angry bull ambivalence, which cracked me up. The creepy rodeo clowns would try to bait them, and the bulls would be like "would you like to discuss the consequences of the latest debt ceiling deal on Washington?" and the clowns would be like "LOOK I HAVE A STUPID HAT." Unfortunately, nary a clown got gored.

The first night of the rodeo is 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink" night, and Erin's Dad's company gives a dollar for breast cancer research for every person who comes in wearing pink. There were probably about 2500 people, and most were wearing pink. We did a Pass-the-Hat right before the bull riding, and the audience were Lizzie and I were stationed was not very generous. They also had horrible children who had been kicking us in the back all night, so I think it's only fair that we raise the money they didn't donate by holding a "Kick the Small Child" punting contest. I would've anted up to participate--betcha I could've launched one at least halfway across the arena...