Larger crowds gather at Elmore County Fair

A competitor hangs on during the bull riding portion of the Idaho Cowboys Association rodeo that was part of this year's Elmore County Fair and Rodeo. (Photo by Corrinna Fulford)

The Elmore County Fair and Rodeo enjoyed larger crowds this year with audiences packed shoulder to shoulder as they caught two days of rodeo action that wrapped up on Saturday.

"It's moving in a positive direction," said rodeo director Rena Kerfoot regarding this year's crowd counts.

In fact, the number of people watching this year's ICA rodeo at the fair grounds in Glenns Ferry actually set a records of sorts, she said. They filled every available seat in the outdoor grandstands with the audience spilling out onto the grassy area in front of the rodeo arena.

C.J. Francisco goes for a ride on a cafe during the junior rodeo held Thursday at the Elmore County fairgrounds.

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Kiersten Hughes earned a blue ribbon after she entered Roper, a five month old Nubian goat, into this year's fair. It was the first time the nine year old had ever entered livestock at the county fair.

Lily Sideoway pets one of the sheep on display in the livestock pens. Her parents made the trek from their home in Bliss so their daughter and son could get an up-close look of actual farm animals.

Thrill seekers enjoy one of the white-knuckle attractions in the carnival midway.

Kiersten Hughes earned a blue ribbon after she entered Roper, a five month old Nubian goat, into this year's fair. It was the first time the nine year old had ever entered livestock at the county fair.

Rhylie Boyer, 5, trots around the rodeo grounds as she prepares to ride an actual horse during Thursday's junior rodeo. Geared specifically for children, the events featured scaled-down versions of events that adult competitors participated in on Friday and Saturday.

Continuing a family tradition of sorts, Hunter Adamson practices his roping skills.

Brynley Darrington takes a ride on the merry go round with Karli McHone holding the 20 month old on the ride.