I had never been to a rodeo, but Saturday, June 19, changed that for me. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Though I have seen countless TV shows, documentaries, and movies about rodeos, I tend to avoid being influenced by the media and rather let the real experiences inspire my own thoughts and ideas.

The day began with floats, horses, cowboys, cowgirls, and local businesses cruising down Main Street in Evergreen. It was colorful, cheerful, and the perfect introduction to the day’s upcoming events.

There’s a gap of time between the parade and the rodeo, but it offered everyone the opportunity to enjoy shopping, lunch, or hiking. I opted for spa treatments, which were very much needed and deserved. (I promise I won’t go into the kind of week I had…) Nonetheless, before I knew it, the time had come to head towards the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, which is home to several events like the Evergreen Rodeo.

As I parked the truck, gathered my camera equipment, and walked into the unknown, I allowed my shoulders to sway along with the sounds of country music. It was lovely. I like country music.

The rodeo isn’t huge, in the grand scheme of things, but its heart says otherwise. I walked around for a bit, snapping photos of things that caught my eye – yes, including a few of the cowboys. I couldn’t help myself. There’s just something about a man in a cowboy hat, boots, Wrangler jeans, and a belt buckle that can make a girl smile.

Vendors, beer tents, roping, tie-down, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, event announcers that made you laugh out loud whether you wanted to or not, and Mutton Bustin’ – all contributed to the experience of the 55th Annual Evergreen Rodeo.

It’s only appropriate for me to mention that the Evergreen Rodeo Association works year-round to put on this exciting event. And their hard work proved worthy of their time. If you missed it this year, mark it down on your calendar now for next year. No one should miss out on the opportunity to celebrate our Colorado western culture and this invigorating mountain tradition.

For more information on the Evergreen Rodeo check out: https:// evergreenrodeo.com/