Cowboys and cowgirls took to the dirt Friday night for the first of two nights of United Professional Rodeo Association competition at the Winnsboro Rodeo Arena.
Despite the Aug. 21 heat, spectators from Wood County and surrounding communities turned out for bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down and breakaway roping, steer wrestling and bull riding.
The night began with the Grand Entry, led on horseback by Miss WRA 2026 Ronica Norwood, Miss WRA Teen Nora Bruley, Miss WRA Princess Savannah Sieber and WRA Jr. Princess Brinley Moses. Carrying flags, the rodeo royalty joined Winnsboro Rodeo Association members for a lap around the arena before competition began.
Freestyle bullfighting opened the action, with bullfighters working within inches of charging bulls.
They returned later in the night to protect riders after they were thrown or dismounted. One bullfighter had part of his jersey ripped away when a bull caught it with a horn, but he escaped injury.
No injuries to contestants or livestock were reported during the weekend.
Young competitors also got their turn in the arena with junior barrel racing and bull riding. Mutton busting and a calf scramble rounded out the youth events, with the calf scramble offering a cash prize of nearly $100.
Grayson Avant won mutton busting Friday, and Asher Smith took the win Saturday.
In junior barrels, Tinley Grace took first and Laiken Shetler second Friday. Dally Huston placed first and Ryan Anderson second Saturday. R.J. Jackson took first in junior bull riding both Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekend adult winners included Laramie Allen in steer roping, Gracie Kaye Wilcott in barrel racing, Addi Carney in breakaway roping, Hayden Stump in calf roping, Tristan Griffith in ranch bronc, Levi McMahon in saddle bronc, Drew Madden in steer wrestling and Khol Whiteman and Dane Reed in team roping.
Whiteman and Reed were the biggest winners of the night, each going home with $1,394. Carney was the top ladies earning, cashing out with $996.
The UPRA-sanctioned rodeo, hosted by the Winnsboro Rodeo Association, concluded Saturday night.