Dispatch photographer Luisa Porter took her Nikon D750 camera to the Rotary Classic Rodeo held Feb. 12-13 at the Mississippi Horse Park. The Starkville Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser experienced record attendance. The event pumps more than $20,000 back into the community, through Rotary support of area agencies and service projects.
Families packed the stands in Starkville to watch fast-paced rodeo action. Little cowboys and cowgirls were treated to a pre-show petting zoo and pony rides as well, no doubt sparking a dream or two of growing up to ride tall in the saddle.
“Children were able to pet animals large and small, from bulls, horses and cows to chickens, pigs and goats,” Porter said. The “smell of the barnyard” was a nostalgic one for her, having grown up in Prairie with animals to care for.
As music swelled and showtime arrived, lights dimmed low and an emcee strode out to prep the crowd. Time to rodeo.
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