Days of the Old West Rodeo (4th of July)

To continue my post from the 4th of July, the day ended with the Hailey Days of the Old West Rodeo.  The Rodeo lasts for three days and features mutton bustin’ with the kids, hometown bull riding, wild horse riding, barrel racing, cattle roping, and professional bull riding.  I wasn’t sure I was going to like the Rodeo and went in with the “Well, it’s a cultural experience” attitude.  Turns out I had an amazing time.  The skill and dedication of even amateur riders was impressive to watch.  The crowd-watching was almost as entertaining as the show. There were families, drunk teenagers, old-time cowboys in their pearl snaps, and Sun Valley tourists in ‘would-be’ cowboy garb.  I wouldn’t miss it next year for the world.