COLUMBIA, S.C. — This weekend, a popular rodeo returns to the Midlands for its ninth year.
Folks in South Congaree came out in their best boots and hats Friday for day two of the South Congaree Rodeo.
The early evening showers didn’t dampen the spectators' spirits who came out to enjoy all the fun of a professional rodeo right in their backyard.
Rance Woodley, one of the promoters in charge of the event, said this is real rodeo action with professional cowboys and cowgirls.
"We’re sanctioned by the IPRA. We are a professional rodeo. We have had outstanding contestants. Thursday night we had over 116 contestants. Friday we had 104. We have some of the elite coming, the champions, and a lot of that is because of the payout," Woodley said.
Woodley said the participants in this year’s rodeo come from all over the country, hoping to win a share of over $30,000 in prize money.
Those in attendance enjoyed the full rodeo experience, complete with bull riding, bronco-busting, and calf roping.
Outside the ring, there was plenty to do, with vendors selling everything from ice cream and bar-b-que to authentic cowboy hats.
Of course, what would a rodeo be without a clown?!
Jeff Havely is a professional rodeo clown who said his job is to keep people entertained.
"I’ll sit in the barrel and during the pause in action between the bulls," Havely said. "I’ll kind of interact with the audience. Kind of keep them pumped up a little bit and excited about what’s going on. You just have to have a little bit of a sense of humor and you have to have a desire to make people laugh. I think the good Lord has blessed me with the desire to make people laugh, and the ability to make people laugh."
If you missed the fun Friday, don’t worry. There is still one more night of riding, busting and roping at the South Congaree Rodeo.
Saturday, the gates open at 5:00 p.m., with all the action starting at 7:30 p.m.