The third annual South Carolina High School Rodeo Association came galloping into town again over this past weekend. Fortunately, the weather cooperated overall considering the quick change of events we experienced on Friday night for the opening of festivities.

However, on Saturday the weather was perfect for the entire family to enjoy a unique event in these parts including all the excitement and fun the rodeo has to offer.  The performers were competitive, the show was great, and the animals including the horses, bulls, calf’s were all up for the occasion.

On Saturday morning the Pee-Wees performed and these kids are fearless and talented.  The youngsters were led by six year old All Around Cowgirl title holder Raelyn Tucker who rode her pony “Hank” and they were all outstanding in the competition.  Then at 1:00 pm the juniors would compete for points and they did an amazing job as well for the spectators who joined to watch the various activities.

Saturday night was the main event, Americanism surely was part of the show during the opening ceremony. The schedule included the bareback and saddle bronc, the clown act, tie down, breakaway, steer wrestling, barrel racing, calf scramble, candy scramble, pole bending, and team roping competition.

It’s amazing to watch and experience first hand the speed of the horses, the ferociousness of the bulls, and the fearless rodeo competitors who perform the riding, roping, wrestling and racing in the arena. Let’s not forget the clown and the cowhands who keep the arena safe for the participants inside the gates and outside as well. Make no mistake, these animals are fast, large and powerful.

This years Rodeo event was again presented by the Mint Hill Historical Society. The organization owns and operates the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village with their primary objective of preserving history in the region. The village is a stroll through the humble beginnings and rural life in the late 1800’s. The historic village hosts various events during the year, which include the Farmer’s Market, Christmas Teas, a Christmas Gift Shop, Discover Mint Hill, and more.

The Gold Star Sponsor of the Rodeo was Griffin Masonry, Silver Star Sponsors Scott McCorkle’s Liberty Buick-GMC Trucks, and Showmars, the Bronze Star Sponsor was Griffin Oil. All other sponsors, advertisers and vendors include many local businesses from the area, some schools, and Mint Hill’s No.1 newspaper The Mint Hill Times.