One day project

Jake Hackmann, 12, of Ashland demonstrates the trick to cattle roping during a youth rodeo lesson session at Cattlemen Days Rodeo in Ashland, Missouri on Aug 28, 2010. Hackmann was the youngest demonstrator at the event and has been participating in the event since he was 8.

As one of the events in the Great Lakes Circuit of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Ashland’s 34th annual rodeo drew competitors from all over the central United States and thoundsands were in the audience on Saturday night on August 28, 2010. The Great Lakes Circuit is composed of nine states and stretches from Minnesota to Ohio.

Thousands of people gathered at Cattlemen Rodeo to participate in Ashland’s biggest annual event on August 28, 2010. Celebrating its 34th year, the rodeo attracts nearly 3,000 visitors over the course of the two day event. Mason Sapp of Ashalnd said he dressed like a cowboy to be part of the event even though he is not “physically” allowed to ride a wild horse.

Kyle Whitaker, a cowboy from Chamber, NE, brings down his steer during the wrestling portion of the Cattlemen Days Rodeo in Ashland. Whitaker was one of 33 riders competing for a chance to a win $14,000 prize.

Kenneth Fehling and his son Ben of Mexico, MO watch the steer wrestling at Cattlemen Day Rodeo in Ashland on Saturday night, August 28, 2010. Kenneth brought his 6 year-old son to the rodeo for the first time to show him “authentic American life.”