2023 Rotary Classic Rodeo closes out in style

Much like night one of the 2023 Rotary Classic Rodeo, night two was a grand one that closed out the return of the family-fun event.

If you came out to the Mississippi Horse Park about two hours early on Saturday, you more than likely saw the petting zoo that featured fluffy bunnies and ponies to ride on. The petting zoo was a hit for little ones. In fact, one little girl said riding around on the pony was her favorite part of the whole night.

After the petting zoo was wrapped up, the dirt stage was set for a slam-packed night of rodeo festivities kicked off with bull riding followed by steer wrestling. Then there was bareback riding with team roping and saddle bronc riding going in that order. The ladies events of the night got started with barrel racing after intermission. The men broke up the women's events with tie-down roping before breakaway roping. The rodeo festivities ended in a way that made it all come full circle – with bull riding.

As for the entertainment, John Harrison was this weekend's rodeo clown at the Mississippi Horse Park. The Clown of the Year award winner put on a show for the audience as he showed why he was recently honored with three awards from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Mississippi Horse Park Facilities Director Bricklee Miller says that the rodeo continues to grow and be enjoyed by the Starkville and Oktibbeha County community each and every year, and this weekend was no exception.

“On Friday night, the announcer asked the crowd how many were attending their first Rotary Rodeo and there were a lot of hands; it is so exciting we are building new fans,” Miller said.

Miller added that the quality of the stock and professional level of the cowboys and cowgirls at the Rotary Classic Rodeo creates entertainment you can only see at the professional level of rodeo.

While she runs the facilities at the hosting Mississippi Horse Park, Miller couldn't speak about this weekend without showing her thankfulness towards the Starkville Rotary Club.

“The volunteers of the Rotary Club work for months making sure that each year's rodeo exceeds the year prior. They have become team members and they understand that they are supporting a fun-filled family event that also supports our community in multiple ways,” said Miller. “They also love working the event and seeing all their hard work enjoyed by so many. The icing on the cake is seeing standing room only in the stands and families having a great time … We appreciate all of our sponsors for their support.”

For full results from the 2023 Rotary Classic Rodeo, visit www.prorodeo.com, click “Results,” and search for “Starkville, MS” to find the rodeo.