.. ..Click here to view a SnapHappy photo gallery of the rodeo.
Click here to view a video of the rodeo.
For J.D. Vernon of Calhoun, rodeos are a way of life, which is why he was one of many at The Forum on Friday night in downtown Rome enjoying the Three Rivers Invitational Bull Riding competition.
"I used to compete when I was younger. I was born into a ranching family, and it was something we did as kids. To compete, you have to want it more than anything else," said Vernon. "It's a lot more exciting now, though this is the first time I’ve been to one in Rome."
If the full house at The Forum was any indictation, Vernon wasn't the only one who thinks rodeos are exciting.
Six-year-old Megan Edwards of Rome said she’s been to many rodeos.
"I love watching my favorite cowboy Kevin Ellis," she said while cheering at a s
Jack Bates, 6, watches from the fence. Ken Caruthers / RN-T |
uccessful eight-second ride.
Ellis is the equine barn manager at Berry College and helped put the show together, said Ernie Studard with Heritage Nissan, one of the sponsors of the show.
"We want to support events in Rome — this brings out a lot of people, and it's always a lot of fun," Studard said.
The rodeo was put together by 4L Rodeo Co., a Summerville company founded by Charlie Lowry, a former champion calf roper and steer wrestler.
Eight of the bulls seen Friday night were brought in by Ed and Melissa Lepper of Summerville, five-year veterans of the rodeo industry.
"Charlie asked us to bring our bulls down for the second year in a row. I love these bulls, and I love watch
Bull rider Jon Mastrangelo of Rome hangs on Friday at The Forum. Ken Caruthers / RN-T |
ing them do this," said Melissa Lepper. "Ed used to ride - he rodeo'd all his life and has rode with Charlie for years."
IF YOU GO
What: Three Rivers Invitational Bull Riding competition
When: 8 p.m. tonight, doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: The Forum, downtown Rome
How much: Tickets range from $12 to $22
