RODEO’S

going to the Eugene Pro Rodeo was a 4th of July tradition.

Every 4th of July weekend, we would dress up and go to the rodeos. It was the ultimate way to celebrate freedom and have fun with friends. I was always in awe of what it meant to be a cowboy. The adventure, the freedom, and the romance of always being on the road. IT also, in a weird way, was the only way I knew how I could connect with my dad. Not growing up with him, I would see him now and again. He wore a cowboy hat, and his wife had horses. In my mind, he was a cowboy. I remember listening to gorge straight tapes of his 1986 Chevy Blazer. So, growing up, deep down, I always wanted to be like him, a cowboy. Fast forward, and I am now jumping into this amazing community, hoping to find my feet in this crazy time.

As I jumped in, I noticed the amazing community I had found. I'm not deep in it, but the welcome with open arms has been refreshing. Reminds me a lot of church. My outlet and hopefully my contribution to this community is amazing photos to capture and share the Western culture and the amazing rodeos I can attend. I want to capture everything, from Trucks parked out front to cotton candy, the athletes, and the amazing volunteers. To me, it all shapes what the rodeo is. It’s the bar after the event. It’s the laughter from the clown. Its the music and the traditions.