Almost a week before the Cave Creek Rodeo the Cave Creek Rodeo parade kicks off rodeo season in the area.  

I like to set up early in front of Big Earl's.   If you come early, you get the best seats.   Plus, I always have a breakfast burrito at Earl's.   It's my tradition.

As usual, a big crowd filled the south side of Cave Creek road as the entries went from west to east.   

The parade concluded around Harold's and the Buffalo Chip.

Next for me is photographing the Friday night Cave Creek Rodeo!   

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Cave Creek Rodeo Parade, click HERE

Scottsdale Rodeo 10 March 2024

The Scottsdale Rodeo Sunday edition came as it did the last several years from Westworld, an indoor arena.   If you have ever been to a rodeo, you know there is a lot of pageantry, especially at the start.

Kiana Martinez

Country music recording artist Kiana Martinez sang some original tunes, then sang the National Anthem to get things started.   

And the American flags.

 

And here comes the horse stock!

Eight seconds seems easy but hard to do.

My two favorite events are barrel racings and bull riding and they are traditionally at the end of the rodeo.   

Barrel racing shows off the skills of the lady cowboys.   It's timed, and it costs 5 seconds if they knock over a barrel.   

Bull riding scores are more a judgment.  50% on the skills of the cowboy.  50% on the athleticism of the bull.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Scottsdale Rodeo, click HERE

Arizona Renaissance on 3 march 2024

It was a long drive from north Phoenix, but in the end it was worth it.  The renaissance fair was in Gold Canyon, east of Mesa, Arizona.   A taste of Olde England.

One of the first to greet us was the washing wenches.  Very pretty girls, I'm sure you agree!

Another character looks like Zeus to me...  And then there were three drummers.

And a very informative show on glass blowing.

All the shows were fun... especially the fire eater.

Tip... GET THERE EARLY.   Also, buy your tickets online.

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Renaissance Fair, click HERE

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 25 February 2024

I don't believe he had any competition

The yearly Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show was at and around Westworld.   It's a ten day event.  I was only there on the last day.   

High Stepping!

The horses are beautiful and are highly trained.   There is a lot of money involved in the competition.

Once around the arena

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, click HERE

Photographing the other competitors

Legends Rough Stock Series in Cave Creek 24 March 2024

Riders line up to be introduced

The first stop on the Legends Rough Stock Series was Cave Creek Arizona at the memorial arena on 24 February 2024.  "Legends" as in older cowboys, usually 40+ who have won some during their careers.

Even the fans look authentic

This wasn't a complete rodeo.   The focus here was on the big animals... horses and bulls.   

I've photographed many times at the Cave Creek arena.  I usually sit on the top row and capture images with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon RF 100-400mm lens.

This is a dangerous sport!

Until My Next Adventure,

See you on down the road,

Jim Patterson

For images from the Legends Rough Stock Series in Cave Creek, click HERE