I frequently use the phrase, “This is not my first rodeo, Jackdodd” (for a variety of reasons!). But tonight, well tonight WAS my first rodeo!

This weekend happens to be the Kendall County Fair and it’s not terribly far from where we live. Although we knew it wasn’t going to be like the fair we left behind in Ventura County with popular country singers/bands, we really didn’t know what to expect and boy, were we pleasantly surprised. It’s not a big fair by any means but we viewed the exhibits, wandered around a bit, treated ourselves to the requisite funnel cake (cant go to the fair and not have one of those, right?) and waited for the rodeo to start.

First I must start by telling you that I really didn’t know what I should wear. Wanting to blend in, should I wear jeans? Shorts? Sundress? Boots? Sandals? Well, I could have worn any of that and fit right in. In fact, I could have worn any of those things and bedazzled the crap out if it, and I would have still fit in! In the end I settled on boots and jeans and I’m pretty sure no one knew I was an outsider from California.

As we toured the exhibits, I of course took extra interest in the baked goods entries. I instantly decided I am going to enter  something next year. Maybe even more than one thing. I have a year to figure out how to dazzle these Texas judges with my cupcake skills!

Now, on to the rodeo. Please keep in mind that although there are rodeos in California, I have never been to one. Never. Ever. Tonight’s festivities started out with “Mutton Bustin’. JD purposely did not tell me what this was because he wanted to see my reaction. OMG! I was hysterical! These tiny little kids (like 5 years old) come out of the gate on the backs of sheep holding on for dear life! It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. The kids wore helmets, no one was hurt and it was just good fun. Here’s something interesting – before the actual rodeo started, the colors were flown, and then a minister said a prayer of thanks, and prayed for the safety of the participants and the animals. Well, there’s something that I know does not take place at any rodeos or other public events in California! Without making any political statements, I just want to say how refreshing it was. Everyone participated, no one appeared to be offended, and at the end the crowd joined with a loud Amen!

We watched saddle bronco riding, bareback bronco riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and finished off with bull riding. The whole thing was exciting and so fun to watch. Did I mention the rodeo clowns? Those guys are crazy! Or the rodeo queen? The fair queen? The “royalty” from every city in the county? Let’ just say there was no shortage of rhinestones tonight! 

Have you ever gone to a concert and felt like you wanted to be a singer? Or a ballet and thought you wanted to learn to dance? Yeah, you got it – now I want to join the rodeo. Just kidding, I don’t really, but I definitely see more riding in my future 😉