My flying instructor, Jeff
Kling, and his wife, Nancy, were sponsors for the “calf scramble” in this
year’s Houston Rodeo. The scramble is a scholarship event where patrons make a
donation to a youth who manages to snag an animal during this fast and furious
race, so they can purchase their own calf to raise and then sell at a future
rodeo auction. There were 30 participants and only 15 calves. Those are pretty
steep odds, but these scrappy kids gave it their best shot. You can get the
general idea from the photo above right.
The Klings also purchased
extra rodeo tickets for the evening and invited me and Jason Helms, another of Jeff’s
students, along with our guests, to join them for a rip-roaring good time at
the rodeo! Shown at left is our group (left to right): my friend and former
neighbor, Carolyn Gandara, me, Nancy, Jeff, Jason, and his girlfriend, Debbie Klein.
While Jeff and Nancy attended
their “calf scramble-sponsor pre-event meeting” Carolyn and I roamed the animal
exhibit hall, checking out the goats, sheep, cows, bulls and chickens. Here I
am standing next to one of the largest, and downright scary-looking, bulls.
Thankfully, he was contained securely behind bars, and that’s about as close as
I ever want to get to one of those critters.
Carolyn and I settled into
our seats in the arena, and waited for the rest of our party to join us for the
rodeo events.
It was an action-packed
line-up, with bronco riders, bull riders, barrel racers, and chuck wagon races.
My favorite—the cutest event of all—was the “mutton busters.” These are 5 and 6
year-olds who are draped over a sheep twice their size, and hang on as tight as
they can for as long as they can.
Our rowdy little group
cheered and clapped for all the contestants. We were hoarse by the time the
main event began.
What a great show!
We were treated to an amazing performance by Marroon 5, with Adam Levine
singing many of his hit (and my favorite) songs.
It turned out to be a fabulous evening for everyone!
Thank you Jeff and Nancy for a wonderful time at the rodeo!
