Racer Round-up
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Murray State University, in their outdoor William “Bill” Cherry Expo Center, hosted the 49th annual Racer Roundup to end the Fall Award Series. As always, a celebration of Western heritage that left locals and visitors alike buzzing with excitement. From the bucked bull riders to the fast-paced barrel racers, the event brought together the community for a weekend filled with adrenaline, skill, and a deep sense of tradition.
The rodeo kicked off on Thursday evening as participants began to arrive, a mass of cowboys, cowgirls, and horses aplenty, all setting the stage for the thrilling events that would follow. The expo center parking lot quickly filled with trucks and trailers bringing their occupants to their destination for the first half of the season.
On Saturday night, families and friends of the participants, and rodeo fans from surrounding towns and other states which the competitors had come from gathered, all eager to witness the action. For many, the rodeo is a tradition passed down through generations, and this year’s event was no exception with upwards of 300 contestants from states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana. The competition started with tie down roping and included other events such as bareback, steer wrestling, and goat tying. The event began at 7 pm, and among the most exciting events was the bull riding competition, which kept the crowd on the edge of their seats consistently as always. Cowboys prepared themselves, determined to stay atop the bucking bulls for the longest. The tension in the air was thick as each rider made their attempt, and the crowd cheered for every brave rider.
The barrel racing competition was another crowd favorite, with young cowboys and girls racing their horses around three barrels set up for the event. The speed and agility required for this event are unmatched, and the contestants did not disappoint, leaving the audience in awe of their precision and skill. In addition to the open 4D and adult 3D categories, though, the rodeo also gave younger fans the chance to shine, holding youth 3D and Peewee and trainer competitions. This featured younger riders showing off their budding skills, proving that the future of rodeo in our town and surrounding areas is safe. For many, it was a proud moment to see the next generation keeping the tradition alive.
As the final event wrapped up, ending the first half of the competition season, and the crowd slowly trickled out, it was clear that this year’s rodeo had once again captured the cowboy spirit this event hopes to carry on. From the heart-stopping competition to thesense of community, the rodeo proved that it remains an essential part of our town. This season will no doubt be followed by next year’s event-which MSU hopes to be an even bigger success. If you missed the action, check out the live stream replay on YouTube to catch up!
