A scorching hot Friday cooled down with a light breeze in time for the opening night of the Junction City Rodeo. Several hundred people were in attendance.
Daryl Blocker, Rodeo Association President, was a little surprised at the turnout because of the heat in recent days. "You look around, looks like about every seat is full. "
Wyatt Kraft, Abbyville, KS, served as a pick-up man for his grandfather, Steve Kraft, who provides the livestock for the rodeo. Wyatt described his job. "When a horse starts out of the chute it bucks, the horse can bounce off you and it won't affect the rider, and as soon as the buzzer goes you have to take the rider off, gather your horse up. Kraft explained that sometimes the job is tricky.
This is an open rodeo at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds Arena just off South Spring Valley Road. It continues Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Among the activities will be the crowning of the king and queen. Advance tickets are $9 for adults and $4 for kids 6-12. At the gate they are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. Five and under are admitted free.
There will be a Youth Special Needs Rodeo at 10 a.m. Saturday.