Cowboys, cowgirls compete at rodeo

A competitor goes airborne as he's thrown from the saddle during Friday's bareback riding competition during the sixth Annual Daniel Dopps Rodeo. Photo by Brian S. Orban

Top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls from across the western United States earned more than $26,000 in cash prizes during the 6th Annual Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo.

Held at Optimist Park on the city's west side, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event drew competitors from as far as Texas and Kansas, according to event spokesman John Bideganeta.

"I'm just delighted to seeing it going and getting bigger and better every year," said event representative Todd McCurry. "I see it continuing to grow in the years ahead."

Local youngsters scramble during this year's calf scramble. The objective seemed simple enough: The first child to recover a flag dangling from these fleeting calves won a prize. However, these critters often proved faster and more unpredictable than these children expected. Photo by Brian S. Orban

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.