Days of '47 Rodeo

On Pioneer Day we drove up to the fairgrounds in Salt Lake for the Days of '47 Rodeo.  We arrived early so we could take advantage of the free Cowboy Games - activities based on pioneer-era pastimes and experiences.  The highlight for me was pulling a handcart (with Eliza inside) through a small obstacle course.  A few of us also tried riding a mechanical bull, albeit a very tame one.

  

After trying our hand at some of the Cowboy Games, we had a new appreciation for the real cowboys in the rodeo!  We sat down in time to hear the National Anthem and see sky divers land in the arena with the American and Utah flags.  The rodeo was great - we had fun watching and cheering on the competitors.  We didn't plan to stay for the whole thing but of course the bull riding was at the end, so we had no choice.  And there was also a small fireworks show when the competition was over, so we stayed for that too.  It was about 11:00 when we made our way back to the car, and all the kids fell asleep before we got home.