Fair rodeo packs them in
Trevor Nailor, 11, rests along the railing before his friend, Zane Kilgus, 11, competes in the team roping event at the American Professional Cowboys Association rodeo at the Washington County Fair Thursday. Kilgus was one of the youngest competitors in the rodeo.
Shane Cox, owner of Cox Arena in Monongahela, attempts to rope his calf during the tie-down roping event at the American Professional Cowboys Association rodeo at the Washington County Fair Thursday.
Trey Moore of Anniston, Ala., competes first in the bareback riding event during the American Professional Cowboys Association rodeo at the Washington County Fair on Thursday, Aug. 15. Competitors from 14 different states across the country competed in the rodeo, bringing in a full crowd.
Bullriders help Jesse Kearns, 17, of Washington, strap on his helmet and face mask before competing in the bull-riding competition Thursday evening. Kearns was injured during his ride after his back was stepped on by his bull.
For the third year in a row, fans packed the stands Thursday at the Washington County Fair for the American Professional Cowboys Association rodeo.
Like the monster truck competition and the school bus demolition derby, the professional rodeo is part of the entertainment for those who attend the fair.
The rodeo brings in competitors not only from 14 states across the country, but also from a variety of age groups from senior citizens to 11-year-old Zane Kilgus of Watsontown, the youngest participant.
He competed in team roping with his brother, Zach Kilgus.
Participation from Washington County competitors has been increasing over the three years the rodeo has been at the fair, including Shane Cox of Monongahela, who competed in tie-down roping, and bullrider Jesse Kearns, 17, of Washington.
The fair was more than just serious riding for the competitors, however. With rodeo clowns leading the event with jokes and dancing, and a blindfolded watermelon chase competition, the event took on a lighter note for the spectators.