by Will Bechaver
COLORADO-SPRINGS-At this year’s Pikes Peak Or Bust Rodeo, the number of performances were reduced to five, and the number of competitors were down from previous years. Many rodeo competitors are competing closer to home as fuel prices rise. Nevertheless, attendance was at an all-time high, with every performance sold out by start time.
By the second night, the competition had really heated up, with some competitors performing amazing rides and posting astounding times. The traditional Sunday Finals were not held this year, so the rodeo ended on Saturday night.
In the music and entertainment tent, there was little room to move and during some of the more swinging tunes, spectators were treated to a virtual demolition derby of dance-related collisions. For those who couldn’t find a space on the floor, mechanical bull-rides provided their eight seconds of glory. A down-sized carnival provided rides for the kids, and on Saturday, there were live camel rides and an extra arena for Mutton Bustin’.
So, with all the flare and fanfare at the Norris-Penrose Equestrian Events Center, the 68th Annual Pikes Peak Or Bust Rodeo delivered entertainment to thousands, and significant prize money to those who stepped up to make spectacular rides.
