Heavy rain and strong winds can't stop Clovis Rodeo

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Wind and heavy storms joined fans at Friday's Clovis Rodeo events.

Long before the skies turned gray, workers already prepped the arena to make sure a downpour wouldn't ruin the weekend.

And through the downpour, steadfast fans of the rodeo made it out to the second day of a beloved tradition.

"We're country and we party in the rain," one fan exclaimed.

The arena had been prepped for the forecast, and a system was in place to drain out the water as it came down fast and furious. Stock contractors were standing by to ensure the grounds didn't get too treacherous.

"If we get to much rain, it will start getting slick, and if it gets too slick it becomes too dangerous for the animals and the contestants," contractor John Growney explained.

In the end, the rain gave way to the resilience of the fans. The clouds parted and the first event of the night, bareback riding started right on time.

"I just here to drink beer hang out, hang a good time," rodeo fan Andrew Bradley said. "See people we haven't seen in a while."

The rain-soaked grounds proved tricky at times for some riders.

"Psychologically, it's better for the bulls and horses compared to the cowboys," Growney explained. "The cowboys are sort of whimps, they don't like the rain, but the animals they live in the rain."

The mud, and those unfortunate enough to fall in, provided an additional level of excitement for kids.

"When he started dancing, she started to laugh my husband said there should be puddles at every rodeo," Audrey Mosely of Clovis said.

The rodeo's youngest fans are already learning that experiences like this, out in the rain and elements, are the key to being a lifelong fan.

"She loves the music," Mosely said of her family. "She was dancing up in the stands, cheering for the cowboys and she loves the horses."