2021 Fair

Page 304 2021 Logan County Fair Lincoln Daily News July/August 2021 Friday, August 5 Photos by Angela Reiners Rodeo adds excitement to the Logan County Fair A lively crowd filled the grandstand on a beautiful Friday evening at the Logan County Fair and they were in for a treat. Sponsored by Jim Xamis Ford Lincoln Mercury, the Wooten Rodeo Company delivered many exhilarating performances. Because the rodeo was a big draw in 2019 and received many positive comments, the fair board decided to bring the event back this year. Before the 2019 rodeo, it had been 40 years since the fair held a rodeo. The evening began with a prayer followed by the crowd singing the National Anthem. This year’s performers included several riders from Illinois as well as Oklahoma, Missouri, Wisconsin, Tennessee and South Carolina. The announcer said the childhood dream of being a cowboy is a reality for many of them. The riders were described by the announcer as “the biggest of the big and the baddest of the bad.” Several riders are part of the National Professional Rodeo Circuit. Others have participated in the International Professional Rodeo Championship and one of the riders in the show ranks 13th in the world. Rodeo events tested the abilities and speed of cowboys and cowgirls and included Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing. In the team roping event, two riders mounted on horses had to rope a steer in the quickest time. The announcer said riders had three tries to rope the steer. With some quick teamwork, one team roped the steer in just under six seconds. Steer wrestling involved a horse mounted rider chasing a steer. They must then drop onto the steer and wrestle it to the ground by grabbing its horns. This feat requires daring, strength and control. For tie-down roping, cowboys ran after a calf then roped its neck. Once the calf was roped, the rider had to get off his horse and pick up the calf. They then had to keep it from running away by tying its legs together. The announcer said the calf must remain tied for at least five seconds. If the calf gets out of the rope during that time, no points are awarded. 10.2 seconds was the best time for this event, which included an age 40 and over category. In cowgirl barrel racing, horses and riders completed a cloverleaf pattern around barrels trying for the fastest time, which was just over 12 seconds. The bull riding competitors attempted to stay mounted on a bucking bull for eight seconds while holding a rope wrapped around the bull’s chest. No stirrups, bridles or saddles