Livermore Rodeo 2017

The Livermore Rodeo, "The World's Fastest Rodeo" occurs annually the second weekend in June. Usually our summer has gotten a good start and it is typically quite hot that weekend. We historically have avoided sitting in the direct sun for a couple hours to watch the rodeo, although we have done it on occasion in the past. This year, the second weekend was breezy and sunny, temperatures in the high 60's, and not at all like the heat wave we were about to have the third week of June where temperatures reached triple digits. I'd forgotten about the rodeo until the sounds of the Saturday morning rodeo parade drifted down to our house from the short distance away. The weather was so gorgeous Saturday June 10th that Frank and I decided to walk downtown and catch the tail end of the parade.

As we leisurely strolled the few blocks to a vantage point on the parade route, Frank and I reminisced about when the kids were younger and how the parade had been such a huge event. We'd carry chairs, and water bottles, and snacks and be there almost an hour before the parade began to get good curbside seats so the kids could see it all. We recalled Robin, over three decades ago, semi-reclined in her umbrella stroller, taking a long draw from her bottle of ice water. With an exaggerated smack of her lips she uttered a long satisfied "Ahhhh" that made Frank and me burst into spontaneous laughter. Now he and I walked along the route, not pausing to find a seat, and watched a few horse formations.

Although we'd missed hearing the high school and middle school bands, we were able to enjoy a mobile mariachi band.

We passed by the owners of our local toy store CooleyKatz TOYS, standing near the entry door, in front of the display window. They are a really neat couple with many grandkids and a love for the toys they select and sell. We visit their store often for our grandkids and for Alex. They have a great sense of humor and happily posed for us wearing their matching parade spectator outfits.

Normally we do not attend the rodeo because it is too hot, but again, since the weather was so fantastic, we impulsively ducked into Baughman's Western Outfitters, our local store for boots, hats, and equestrian supplies, to see if they were still selling rodeo tickets. They were not, but they informed us we could get some online when we got home. We took time to pat the horse mannequin out front and take in the display of boots within before leaving.

Once home, we bought three tickets for Frank, Alex, and me for the next day. They were in the center in some low numbered row bleacher seats that were pretty close with a great view of the action.

I picked up Alex from his home shortly after his lunch and we drove over to the rodeo grounds. Here is Alex at the entrance.

Our seats were not initially in the shade but soon the shadow of the canopy covered us. We were delightfully comfortable, even donning a light coverup because of the gentle breezes. Alex busied himself studying the program. Whatever event we go to, he consistently does this intently.

Here were the events, although they were not necessarily in this order. Bull riding had been rescheduled to be last.

The opening ceremonies were strongly patriotic, with a huge flag unfurled and waving in the center of the arena.

The music throughout was fun, a great blend of country western selections. Alex did love the songs, the hubbub of the people, and the general spectator antics; but the events themselves were not of great interest to him. With a duration of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, by the time I had him looking in the right place, the bronco or bull ride, or the roping endeavor was over. The barrel racing worked better since that took a bit longer – on the order of 3 to 4 minutes.

There was only one very close call. During the final bull ride of the day, when the rider fell off, the bull went after him. The rodeo clown and several cowboys had their hands full jumping into full distraction mode until the dumped rider could scramble to safety. After the rodeo, we had dinner with Alex before taking him back to his home. It had been a glorious day for a fun, unique outing. There is something to be said for spontaneity.