Brooke Bailey was crowned Miss UPRA Rodeo, Saturday night, at the final performance of
the three night, spring rodeo.

Bailey Crowned Miss UPRA at
Saturday Night's Rodeo

by: Bobby McDonald

It was another night of action in the Hopkins County Civic Center, as the final performace of the 2009 UPRA Spring Rodeo got underway with a number of competitive events, that was highlighted by the crowning of the local UPRA Queen. Brooke Bailey, of Sulphur Springs, was crowned Miss UPRA, as a pause in the action was taken to announce the results. Brooke will serve as the local UPRA Queen for the coming year, representing Hopkins County in area rodeos, parades, and other activities.

And, again, the "rough stock" of the rodeo proved to be the winners, as a number of cowboys and cowgirls came up "empty handed" as they gave their challenge on Saturday night. It seemed that the steer wrestling event was the number one event where cowboys had a difficult time, with steers "setting up" and the cowboys failing to complete their skills. However, on the other hand, spectators witnessed the best time in the event, for the three days, too!

Bull riding found local spectators "glued to their seats" as they witnessed riders attempt to make their bid in beating a score of 85 that was accomplished on Friday night. And, equally tough action was turned-in on Saturday night in the Saddle Bronc and Bareback event, where attempts were made to top scores made in earlier performances.

Saturday night found Sadie Johnson, of nearby Pickton, "unseated" in her top spot for the lead in the Breakaway Calf Roping, although she remained in the money, for the event.

Enjoy the following photos for Saturday night's final performace of the UPRA Rodeo.

Saturday night's grand entry proved a colorful event.

Sulphur Springs' Brooke Bailey is announced UPRA Rodeo Queen.

Jillean Nixon, of Paris, can't believe she has been named
UPRA Rodeo Princess.

Our new queen waves to the crowd!!!

The steers weren't too cooperative in the Steer Wrestling event!!!

This was almost a "wreck," for Saturday night's event!!!

"Up....Up...and away!!!!"

"And, this cowboy says a prayer when he hits the ground!!!"

"Mounting up to ride!!!"

The Calf Scramble proved a crowded event with the arena being full of
local youth....

And, the "little folks" under 3 got a head start!!!

Break-away Roping proved to be some fast times!!!

And, this young lady took the lead in the event...

The 16 and over Steer Scramble attracted a number of local young folks to participate...

Both Boys and Girls....

And, this youth treated the crowd to a little bit of "break dancing"......

And, the contest was on....

Tie-down Calf Roping proved to be a popular event....

With some fast times completed!!!

Team Roping was a challenge.....

The Chuck Wagon Races were popular with youth and the crowd.....

And the Red Team won!!!

Barrel Racing proved a popular speed event.....

But everyone was ready for the bull riding.....

This bull rider found the going rough.....

As, did this one!!!

The curtain closed on the 2009 Spring UPRA Rodeo at approximately 10:30 p.m., and fans filed out of the Civic Center talking about the Finals that will be hosted here in the fall.

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