Wonderful weather blessed the cowboys and cowgirls on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, as the rodeo finalists traveled from all over the country to compete in the Interstate Rodeo Association (IRA) Finals at Auburn’s Fairgrounds.
A huge number of ropers, riders and wrestlers competed over the weekend in events like Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wresting and Bull Riding. Most traveled many miles to Auburn, but some, like Trent Joy from Stella, only needed to make a short trek to compete. The events with the most competitors were Team Roping with 41, Barrel Racing with 21 and Breakaway Roping with 18. There were 13 Bull Riders as well. The Bare Back and Saddle Bronc events both saw two riders, and three fought for the title of All-Around Cowgirl. There were four in the Steer Wrestling category.
