Rodeo showcases bull-riding best

Everyone is invited to attend the Terrebonne Livestock Association’s 61st Annual Fall Rodeo, which will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Houma Airbase.

But that invitation doesn’t extend to every bull.

&#8220We have different stock contractors for each rodeo, and I always have to ask them whether or not they have a mean bull,” said Rodeo spokesperson Beth Lovell. &#8220We’ve had a few mean ones that were banned because we’ve had a few people get hurt.”

The most recent casualty was a rider named Boogie Guidry.

According to Lovell, Guidry received a lot of stitches to the face after getting smashed by an ornery bull at an event in February.

&#8220It wasn’t pretty,” she admitted. &#8220He (Guidry) gave up riding after that.”

But event coordinators aren’t about to give up on their rodeo, which offers plenty of exciting activities for people of all ages.

In addition to bull riding – the marquee attraction – spectators can enjoy team roping, female barrel racing and pole bending, calf riding (9 and under) and sheep riding (7 and under).

&#8220Little kids sign up for sheep riding just as if they were in the real rodeo,” Lovell said. &#8220They participate to see who can stay on the longest and can win cash prizes of up to $70. The sheep riding usually gets the moms, dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents to come out and take a lot of pictures.”

The rodeo will also feature a petting zoo, the crowning of a rodeo queen and concessions that include hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos.

&#8220The weekend is usually pretty big and the stands are usually pretty full,” Lovell said.

Part of the reason is the level of respect spectators share for bull riders.

Tiki Allemand won last year’s competition by staying on his bull for more than eight seconds.

It’s a dangerous gig for the riders, but the pinnacle of excitement for adoring fans.

&#8220My little boy is seven, but when he gets old enough I won’t let him ride any bull because it’s scary,” Lovell explained. &#8220You have to be fast on your feet and get back up quickly after you get bucked off because sometimes the bull is going to come after you.”

For more information, call Lovell at (985) 580-2445 or Donna Price at (985) 594-7545.