Longest annual Rodeo in Hays County celebrates the Fourth

The longest ongoing rodeo in Hays County wrapped up its annual Fourth of July celebration this past weekend.

The 78th Annual Wimberley VFW Rodeo is a celebration of both the birth of the United States of America and the sport of rodeo.

Hundreds of Cowboys and cowgirls from across Texas and even out of state competed in three days of competition with the hopes of bringing home the top prize.

The festivities started with the Lone Star Girls, who brought out the flags of Texas, branches of the military service, the Wimberley VFW Post 6441 and finally the USA flag while performing riding patterns for the audience.

One of the first events was mutton bustin’. Kids hang on to sheep as they run across the arena, though it is up for debate whether it is for the enjoyment of the kids or the parents.

Bareback bronc riding was the first event of the evening where competitors must hang on to a bucking horse without a saddle, instead having only a piece of rigging to hold on, for eight seconds.

Steer wrestling was up next where cowboys go full speed on their horses only to dive off in order to tackle steers to the ground.

One of the newest, and most popular events in recent years, is breaka- way roping. Reserved for women, competitors look to rope calves in the fastest time possible.

Tie down roping features cowboys not only trying to rope calves but also jump down from their horse before tying up the calf with a picket string.

Saddle bronc riding competition was once again fierce. With a specialized saddle and rein, the rider must stay on top of the bucking horse for the full eight seconds.

In the middle of the rodeo events was the calf scramble. From kids to adults, competitors must chase down a calf that has a ribbon attached to the tail. They must grab the ribbon and return it to the judge in order to receive a prize.

The last roping event of the night is team roping. Pairs of two must successfully rope a steer with one roper taking the head and the other taking the heels before facing each other after their target is caught.

The second to last event of the night is barrel racing. Competitors must ride in a cloverleaf pattern while avoiding knocking down barrels in order to get the fastest time.

Then the main event is bull riding. Perhaps the most exciting event of the rodeo, cowboys must successfully ride a bull for a full eight seconds while avoiding getting mashed by the animal.

Throughout the entire rodeo, the attendees were entertained by legendary rodeo clown Leon Coffee who had just recently retired from the Houston Rodeo.