There is nothing quite like the smell of leather, livestock, and hot boiled peanuts on a rodeo night. It was a bull-ridin’, bronc-buckin’, and cow-ropin’ good time at the Gadsden County Horsemen’s Association rodeo, which took place this past weekend. Despite rainy weather and the occasional thunderstorm, Danny Paramore, the President of Gadsden County’s Horsemen’s Association, said that the rodeo riders and entertainers were dedicated to putting on the show, rain or shine. “The rodeo must go on,” said Parramore. This being the 3rd Annual Big Bend rodeo, Paramore said he was very pleased with the crowded Friday and Saturday night turnout and said it was one of the best attendances they have ever had. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the local mandates originated from the pandemic, Parramore said it was just impossible for the association to host the rodeo last year due. During the rodeo’s opening ceremony, Sharlee Whiddon circled the arena while riding her horse and carrying the State of Florida’s flag, representing Gadsden County and the State of Florida. The other rider during the opening ceremony was Haley Paramore, who waved a giant American flag on horseback. Trent McFarland, a popular rodeo clown from Alabama, was quite the entertainer as he made his way to the center ring of the arena and tried to steal the show with his whit, humor, and jokes. Seth Maxie did an amazing job as the rodeo’s professional announcer, bouncing jokes back and forth with McFarlin and keeping the crowd laughing as competitors got muddied up in the arena during the riding and roping competitions. Sloshing through deep mud and large puddles on horseback, the cowgirls and cowboys did not disappoint the rodeo fans as they showed out with grand performances. According to Maxie, the annual rodeo in Gadsden County pulled performers and riders from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee into the local area - Maxie announced with excitement that the Gadsden County Horsemen’s Association rodeo was far-reaching in the rodeo ring. For those who were unable to attend the rodeo this year, the association is already planning the 4th annual event for next year; keep a lookout for next year’s announcement and try to come out. The Gadsden County Horsemen’s Association rodeo brings an exceptional value and entertainment to the community, along with making ‘Gadsden County’ a name that equestrians from all over the country recognize. Patricia Smith - Gadsden County News Service
