Another sunny evening in Sedro Woolley - but much cooler than last year! Traffic should have been a clue as to how many people were coming to this event! After maybe 15-min. in traffic - we were parking on the grass strip along the trail & standing in line for the ticket booth. The volunteer staff is always so helpful, walking along the line & taking payment - got everyone in quickly.
Rein Riders & Royalty introduced to packed stands -
We picked up food & headed for our usual spots in the beer garden. The largest crowd we've seen here in years. The Pro-West Rodeo is so well run & fast moving - yet with the hometown feel that we enjoy so much. The selection of drinks was much better than last year! I tried my first Bud Lite Strawberry Rita & found it pretty good! :-) I'd forgotten my camera, but my phone did a really nice job of capturing some of the color of the event.
Backstage~
I love seeing all the flashy tack & super well trained horses! There's always the thrills & spills that Rodeo crowds love to see - as long as no one gets hurt! I saw a beautiful buckskin, not to dark, not too light - with a golden sheen - like Wow!
Flags for the sponsors~
The events were fast moving, team roping, Saddle-bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, trick riding & finally - a new entry - mounted shooting! One of the younger members of the Mcmillian Family Trick Riders took a very hard spill & laid motionless for a heartrending second... there was a huge sigh of relief from the stands -when she regained her feet!
As the sun goes down~
Such a beautiful afternoon, mid-70's made it hard to believe that we're into July already! Finally - this year there was "Dancing in the Dirt". A flat bed brought in the equipment for the Troy Fair Band! Soon, music was playing & people were dancing!
Equipment going into the arena~
If you're looking for a good time, this is the place! Sedro Woolley hosts the longest running Fourth-of-July celebration in Washington State! It's become a must for us!
It was a beautiful evening in Sedro-Woolley - even if hot - there was a nice breeze! We headed to the beer garden, where we found the beer selection to be less than good... For the cost of $4.00 per can - you'd think that at least there would be one brand that you could recognize or see in the store! We heard many complaints...
Our Flag~
It's fun to sit up by the alley & pens, getting the close-up view of the riders, stock etc., but after a while, the bench got hard! I was watching the stock in a large corral - bucking horses, two with young paint colts, in the same corral as the bulls! The horses took one end - turning butts toward the bulls, the bulls were in the other end - facing the horses :-) One of the youngsters just Had to go over & check out the bulls - all of whom ignored his stupidity :-) With the setting sun in our eyes, we decided to walk around, loosen up & find a spot where we could see! The VIP booth wasn't in use, we appreciated the shade!
Rein Riders~!
As usual the Rein Riders put on a great show! Love the bright colors, fast riding & great coordination between riders! Video below~
Taken from the 81st Annual Rodeo brochure; "The Skagit Rein Riders
Rodeo Drill Team was formed in 1985 & through the years has
developed into one of the most entertaining and sought after rodeo
performance drill teams in the northwestern states! Their routine is
nothing less than spectacular, as they are energetic, fast & full of
enthusiasm and passion for what they do!"
The barrel racers were Great! Turning in two times in just over 17 seconds! Not One barrel knocked down! We didn't stay for the Bull Riding - but did go check out the newest Ford Trucks! For the $60,000 + price tags - they pretty much drive themselves & I'm Not kidding :-)
Happy Fourth Everyone! It's going to be another scorcher here in the Pacific NW! Stay Cool!
