Rodeo fun begins Thursday

The Young County 15th Annual Rodeo returns to Graham on Thursday, March 23, with a new, locally-focused event on the lineup. The Young County Invitational Team Roping contest will take place each night of the rodeo, through Saturday, March 25. Clay Burnham, who organized the invitational, said five teams will compete Thursday night, six on Friday and finals Saturday night will feature the top five teams. Contestants in the event, sponsored by Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant, will compete for 1st prize buckles and reserve champion rope bags. Teams in the invitational are: Joe Brogdon and Ronald Eddleman; Richard Potts and Jim Bob Perry; Cody Riddle and Conner Riddle; Colt Hopkins and Matthew Morrison; and Tony Fellows and Chance Hudgens, all competing Thursday night, and on Friday night, Tanner Walls and Tyler Walls; Nick Burnham and Amon Otts; Bud Lowry and Randy Pendleton; Charlie Baynes and Larry Chestnut; Brian Hannah and Ronny Snow; and T.C. Hartman and Cauy Hartman. Background The rodeo is sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus and will be held at the Young County Arena. The rodeo will have nightly performances beginning at 7:30 p.m., with proceeds returned to local charities. Local and UPRA contestants will compete for prizes as well as $15,000 in added money in events including bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, women’s breakaway roping, ranch bronc riding and barrel racing. “Backflip” Johnny Dudley will return as the rodeo clown, to entertain the crowd. Royalty Included with the rodeo will be the Junior Rodeo Queen competition and a parade. This year, two girls have entered the contest in the Junior division. For the rest of this story, subscribe to our print or online edition.