Back on the Road to Blairsville

 
After a few days rest after The Old Frontier Days Rodeo in Thomson, Georgia, I was back on the Georgia highway to Blairsville for the 10th Annual Blairsville Rodeo. Thursday evening there was a town market where over 60 vendors were set up. I met with Art Miller, one of the rodeo chairman, and Alysia Hargus, local and past IFR photographer and enjoyed the wide range of vendors including lemonade, real estate, boutiques and my favorite- the rodeo booth! The people of Blairsville were ecstatic to see the rodeo back in town and many already had advanced sale tickets. Once we were finished with the event, Art, his wife Debbie, and I stopped by a local Mexican restaurant before heading to the house. Debbie and Art were gracious enough to let me come crash at their place for the weekend and I was welcomed by three of the happiest dogs on Earth! Friday morning Art and I were off to the arena for a Facebook Live with the Chamber of Commerce Steve Rowe. We were joined by Dillion Gross-one of the coolest announcers, and talked about the rodeo and what the weekend would look like. Blairsville Professional Rodeo is in a covered riding arena that the local saddle club uses during the summer as well, so regardless of weather conditions, people can enjoy a dry night of rodeo action. After stopping by Chick-fil-a for lunch (another AMAZING sponsor), it was time to get ready for the rodeo. Circle N Rodeo, along with Hedrick Rodeo Company were hard at work making sure stock and workers were ready for the night’s performance. Along with the standard rodeo events, Blairsville Pro. Rodeo has a drill team presentation, trick riding, kids’gold rush, kids and women’s calf scramble, steer dressin’, a horseshoe toss to win brand new truck, and a drawing to win a pair of Durango Boots. To say we had a full night ahead was an understatement! 
 
The rodeo began with the Kids Gold Rush, and once I was finished helping wrangle the ‘littles’ back to their parents,I rushed to my horse for the opening ceremony. The rodeo started with Sass- n- Saddles Drill Team doing a presentation, then went into the official opening ceremony where I was honored to lead with the American flag,followed by each branch of the military and a first responder’s flag. Once we stood at post, USAF First Sergeant Matthew Miller led a group of service men and women along with a flag pole and raised the American flag while Dillion Gross shared “The Ragged Old Flag”. There was not a single person seated as the ceremony proceeded, and by the end of the national anthem, people were cheering loudly for our country.  The patriotism displayed at our sport is something that always gives me chills. Throughout the night, I ran victory laps along with a drill team member and the winner of each event. It was such a joy to have another girl with me behind the chutes to sing along to songs and enjoy the rodeo! 
 
Saturday morning at the rodeo arena, it has become tradition that we have a big breakfast for all the rodeo workers, staff and families. We enjoyed some of the best handmade biscuits and gravy along with fresh fruit, and of course bacon! It was a great time getting to relax with everybody and enjoy each other’s company. Saturday night the crowd turnout was astonishing, even with a little rain. After another heart- felt ceremony, it was rodeo time. Dillion and clown entertainment Heath “The Dancing Cajun” were at it again making the crowd laugh and inform them on the rodeo. It was another great rodeo where I added many great memories.  Thank you to Blairsville Professional Rodeo for welcoming me with smiles and open arms.