Clovis Rodeo opens to a sold out crowd
"One ranch had a horse that couldn't be rode. Another ranch had a cowboy that couldn't be thrown, and somebody put up $5 and that's how rodeo was born in Clovis."
CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- There's plenty of excitement to go along with the nice weather for the opening night of the 102nd Clovis Rodeo. The rodeo opened to a sold out crowd and fans keep coming back because of the choice of bulls, the cowboys, and of course-- the people
Megan Barklow, of Clovis, said, "It's a lot of work, a lot of fun, but it's definitely worth it."
The energy of the crowd only matched by the bucking of the bulls.
"The competition in California is so much tougher than it is anywhere else," said Zayne Spiry, Texas.
The Clovis Rodeo opened with one of its most thrilling events. The bull riding attracting fans from as far as Texas
"We are adrenaline junkies, we show up here, we wanted to see some pressure," said Cody McCartney, Texas.
It's also a dream many years in the making for Madera native Jonny Prez. The 22-year-old was the first to ride and qualify in front of a cheering crowd.
"Just got to make rounds. It's a dancing game. You just got to stay in rhythm with him-- if he goes to the right you better be right there with him"
In the end, a first timer to Clovis from Australia took the check.
But more than the adrenaline rush, what keeps people coming back is the tradition.
"One ranch had a horse that couldn't be rode. Another ranch had a cowboy that couldn't be thrown, and somebody put up $5 and that's how rodeo was born in Clovis," said Mark Thompson.
The glitz and glam of the cowboys, rodeo queen, and the performers is what makes this small town so special
"It's a big family here, so it's nice to see everyone. It's our big Clovis Rodeo family reunion," said Barklow.
The winner Thursday night was Frazier Babbington from Australia.
