A lot.
Here's why.
They start with a prayer...
"Our gracious and Heavenly Father,
We pause in the midst of this festive occasion,
mindful and thoughtful of the guidance
that You have given us.
As cowboys, Lord, we don't ask for any special favors.
We ask only that you will let us compete in this arena as in life's arena.
We don't ask that we never break a barrier,
draw a steer that won't lay,
draw around a chute-fighting horse
or a bull that is impossible to ride.
Help us compete in life as honest as the horse we ride
and in a manner as clean and pure as the wind
that blows across this western country.
So, when we make that last ride,
that we know is inevitable, to the country up there -
where the grass is green and lush and stirrup high
and the water runs crystal clear and deep,
You will tell us, as we enter that Arena,
our entry fees are paid.
We ask these things in Christ's name.
Amen."
We pause in the midst of this festive occasion,
mindful and thoughtful of the guidance
that You have given us.
As cowboys, Lord, we don't ask for any special favors.
We ask only that you will let us compete in this arena as in life's arena.
We don't ask that we never break a barrier,
draw a steer that won't lay,
draw around a chute-fighting horse
or a bull that is impossible to ride.
Help us compete in life as honest as the horse we ride
and in a manner as clean and pure as the wind
that blows across this western country.
So, when we make that last ride,
that we know is inevitable, to the country up there -
where the grass is green and lush and stirrup high
and the water runs crystal clear and deep,
You will tell us, as we enter that Arena,
our entry fees are paid.
We ask these things in Christ's name.
Amen."
Cowboys. 'Nuff said.
Mutton bustin'...
Probably the most entertaining thing ever.
Probably the most entertaining thing ever.
Breaking out the western wear.
The National Anthem being sung,
the flags being run around the arena.
the flags being run around the arena.
The princesses, queens, and their sparkly clothes.
The smell of fair burgers and all the other junk food.
Remembering that everyone has an inner redneck.
Saddle bronc riding...
Probably my favorite event.
(Great ride tonight Jake!)
Probably my favorite event.
(Great ride tonight Jake!)
Randy Munns.
Greatest rodeo clown ever.
Greatest rodeo clown ever.
Closing with this...
I love it.
All of it.
Two weeks til the next one.
Do you feel cool to know a real saddle bronc rider? Do you feel cool that you know where Randy Munns lives? Do you know you can make your Mom feel homesick when you describe a rodeo?
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