Spanish Fork is celebrating Pioneer Day in the fast lane with the annual Fiesta Days Rodeo.
"I've gone the last couple of years with my friends. It is a blast. One year a guy got thrown in the air by the bull," said Kristen Ayres of Duncanville, Texas.
The Fiesta Days Rodeo has been voted the No. 1 rodeo by the circuit cowboys for two years in a row.
More than 495 local and circuit cowboys compete in eight events including bull riding, steer wrestling, steer roping, saddle and bareback bronco riding, calf roping, team roping and women's barrel racing.
Circuit cowboys travel almost every day throughout the country to compete at different rodeos. Winning one event can lead to cash prizes of up to $4,000.
"About a third of the cowboys from the National Finals Rodeo are entered. We have the best competing," said rodeo chairman Steve Money.
Money said the rodeo events provide fast-moving action and entertainment.
Rodeo queens kick off the competition by presenting the U.S. and rodeo flags each night. This year's queen is Kassy Sampson, first attendant is Naomi Whighte, and second attendant is Jessica Bewer.
After the competition begins, several special attractions are interspersed throughout the night's events.
Since bull riding is considered one of America's favorite extreme sports by the Professional Rodeo Circuit Association, this year's events will highlight champion backward bull rider, Darrell Dienfenbach.
Dienfenbach is originally from Kikivan, Australia and is known as "The Thunder From Down Under."
Another feature attraction will be mutton bustin'. The object of this event is for small children to ride a sheep and hang on as long as they can.
Tommy Lucia, with his sheep-herding monkey and dancing horse, will also give rodeo-goers something a little out of the ordinary.
From the competitions to the special attractions, this year's Fiesta Days Rodeo promises an interesting Pioneer Day for those who attend.
"This year my wife and I are going to dress in cowboy gear and watch the rodeo," said BYU student Sheldon Martin.
Copyright Brigham Young University 23 Jul 2002
