The Clinton May Ball Rodeo was a great success and sunshine definitely contributed to the large crowds, as the parking lot and grandstands were full on May 26-27.
Many local competitors competed in the rodeo, and Clinton cowboy Kraig Loring tied for first place with Clay Waterhouse in the Junior Steer Riding and won $191.10.
Clinton cowgirl Bacardi Zimmerlee took second place in the Junior Barrel Racing winning $222.41.
A special presentation was made following the team roping on Sunday, as the winners were presented with a pair of custom stirrups in memory of Peter Bolster. Josh Cahill and Hallie Breen had the stirrups custom made in memory of their friend who was a team roper, saddle bronc rider and calf roper.
In the very popular packhorse race, Clinton Ag Association president Rob Dube won the event both days, with Mike Draper coming in second.
Cowboy hats, donated by the family of Lloyd West, were given out to the Packhorse Race contestants, as a tribute to Lloyd who was a longtime Clinton Ag Association member. Wild Cow Milking and Cowboy foot races were once again huge crowd pleasers. On Saturday, the Neal Antoine team from Cache Creek won, and on Sunday, the Clinton team of Rob Dube, Curtis Zimmerlee and Faron Beeds took first place in the Wild Cow milking.
Ken McCoy and his band played at the Rodeo dance on Saturday Night, and the crowd enjoyed their music for a second consecutive year. The Clinton Ag Association is happy to announce that the 2012 rodeo was a great success.
A big thank you goes out to the wonderful people who lent a hand during the weekend, and the sponsors who put up the prize money for each event.
Once again, WWE Rodeo Company provided awesome bucking stock. The BCRA officials and the Clinton Ag Committee kept the event running smoothly, as entries were high with 111 barrel racers , 57 team roping teams and a very good turnout in all other events.
The rodeo weekend, combined with the annual parade - organized by Roland and Bonnie Stanke, the Lions beef in a bun and the firefighters free hotdogs - made for a great community weekend.
During Western Heritage Week, many community members dressed up in western or period costumes at their place of business, and prizes were awarded on May 25 to those who participated.