The Swansea Rodeo Grounds just outside of the town was the scene of some exciting rodeo events the weekend of Nov. 3-4. The 10th Annual Swansea Pro Rodeo featured events such as calf roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. Spectators of all ages, some huddled in blankets to ward off the chill, watched as cowboys and cowgirls competed in the events sanctioned by the International Pro Rodeo Association.

It marked the third year the Cross Creek Rodeo Co. has put on the event in Swansea. The company is owned by Ed and Vana Doolittle of Saluda, who provide the stock for the various competitions. The Doolittles say rodeo is one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the country.

Fly Bean, a rodeo announcer from Murray, Ky., provided instant descriptions and explanations of each event. Children ages 6-10 had the opportunity to participate in a calf scramble as well as have pony rides. In addition to the rodeo events, food and western goods were available.

Mayor Spires noted that there was a $1,600 prize for the winner in each category.

The November event was one of the last rodeos of the season, “so it really helped with the points standings,” Spires said.

“We usually have contestants from all over the United States come here, and last year we even had one from Canada,” he added.

According to Cross Creek Rodeo Co., the points and competition for prize money help the contestants get to the International Finals Rodeo.

Ron Lattimer of Windsor was a contestant in the calf roping.

“I am 66 years old, and have been doing this for 45 years. I go to rodeos every week, sometimes twice a week.”

Lattimer was once a stunt man for RR Productions, a movie company up north that made westerns.

“I’ve been told that I look like Roy Rogers,” he said.

Regarding his participation in the calf roping event, Lattimer said, “I could have won this roping. I roped my calf, but then my horse didn’t stop. He had never done that before. I don’t know what happened.”

He went on to say that he has trained more than 200 horses and worked with this particular horse for three years, but he just didn’t understand what went wrong in the arena this time.

The Swansea Fall Festival and Pro Rodeo offer an assortment of sponsor packages. These include printed advertising, complimentary tickets, banners displayed in the arena area and the company’s name being mentioned by the announcer before and during the rodeo.

Further information about Cross Creek Rodeo Co. can be obtained at www.crosscreekrodeo.com. Visit the International Pro Rodeo Association’s Web site at www.iprarodeo.com for details on current world rodeo champions.

T&D Correspondent Loretta Demko can be reached by e-mail at eeshtenem@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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