Pick-ups, stock-trailers and campers of seemingly every conceivable make, model and color packed the Lee-Mar Ranch grounds this weekend as more than 100 cowboys, cowgirls and their families from across Minnesota descended on the sprawling Granite Falls landmark for a weekend of rodeo.
The Lee-Mar arena dirt tracked the hoof strikes and footfalls of stock and contestants as Jr. High and High School aged hopefuls strapped themselves to bulls and broncs, settled deep into saddle seats and tied onto darting calves and hulking steers.
“(Everyone) was very enthused and excited to have High School Rodeo back here at Lee-Mar,” said local rodeo legend and current Minnesota High School Rodeo Association President John Aus. “And (the group) at the (Lee-Mar Ranch Equine Center) did a very good job satisfying every need we had... The contestants and their families made it clear that they want to come back. So, next year, I guess we’ll make it the third annual Granite Falls High School Rodeo.”
This weekend proved that the Lee-Mar Ranch is one of the finest settings in the state for rodeo, while local top-hands proved that their talent is some of the best rodeo skill the state has to offer as one after another contestants from Granite Falls, Hanley Falls, Montevideo and the surrounding area looped the arena to doff their hats to the grandstand.
Welcoming all, it seemed, to the cradle of Minnesota rodeo.
For full Jr. High and High School results go to www.mnhsrodeo.com.
