OUTLOOK - They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that certainly appeared to be the case over August 12 & 13 when the third edition of the Outlook Riverbank Rodeo made its return to large, sprawling crowds who were eager to take in some bull-riding and steer-wrestling action.
Because of the COVID pandemic, this marked the first time the event had been held since 2019. In the three years that have passed, anticipation seemed to reach a fever pitch as both nights welcomed large attendance numbers.
Featuring tie down events, ladies breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, novice bareback, novice saddle bronc, junior steer riding, ladies barrel racing, junior barrel racing, novice bull riding, team roping, and bull riding, the rodeo gave audiences a wide variety of eye-catching displays from riders both from far and near.
Locals taking part in this year's event included Paige Mizu and Hayden Jones of Conquest (ladies breakaway roping), Brian and Coy McPhee of Hanley (steer wrestling), Cohen Larson of Macrorie (novice saddle bronc), Lora-Lee Wick of Strongfield and Laurie Barton of Conquest (ladies barrel racing), Steve Wick of Strongfield (team roping), Coy McPhee of Hanley and Travis Griffin of Elbow (team roping), Bentley Ponto of Outlook (junior steer riding), and Weston Davidson of Strongfield (bull riding).
On top of the rodeo action on both nights, there was also a family-friendly afternoon of activities held on Saturday at the grounds including a petting zoo, face painting, and craft sales.
