Its barrels of fun for the second year of New England Rodeo
A rider rounds the barrels. Photos by Brandy Muz
Zoey Henry makes haste on her steed. 
These barrels ain't nothing for Zoey Henry. 
Ali Edwards kicks up dirt. 
Moving along around the barrels is Ali Edwards. 
The racing stripes are on this rider instead of the flags.
A barrel falls during this riders run.
Quinn Baldwin-Kress is shocked as a rider knocks down a barrel. 
Exiting the mane event.
The mini horses are loose!
Hay there!
Holy cow, this rider is holding on.
Taking the bull by its horns - literally.
This rider getting bucked up.
Eddie Pina announces the bull riders.
Steering things the right way.
A rider falls from a bull.
A rider rounds the barrels. Photos by Brandy Muz
Zoey Henry makes haste on her steed.
These barrels ain't nothing for Zoey Henry.
Ali Edwards kicks up dirt.
Moving along around the barrels is Ali Edwards.
The racing stripes are on this rider instead of the flags.
A barrel falls during this riders run.
Quinn Baldwin-Kress is shocked as a rider knocks down a barrel.
Exiting the mane event.
The mini horses are loose!
Hay there!
Holy cow, this rider is holding on.
Taking the bull by its horns - literally.
This rider getting bucked up.
Eddie Pina announces the bull riders.
Steering things the right way.
A rider falls from a bull.
ROCHESTER — As the dust settled in the pens and the stands filled with cowboy hat-clad community members filled the stands, the New England Rodeo kicked off it's second season Saturday, May 16.
The New England Rodeo came to Rochester first in 2025, bringing barrel racing, bull riding and a southern atmosphere to 65 Pine St. Owner of the rodeo, a former member of the Professional Bull Rider league, Elias Silva said the event looks a little different going into its second year.
With more bleachers and an extended arena, Silva said the rodeo is ready to provide the community with a bigger and better rodeo.
"I hope to continue to stay in town for a long time," Silva said.
Cowboys alike are welcomed to attend the rodeo Saturdays beginning at 5 p.m. The event will stretch from May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19 with finals happening on Oct. 3.
Silva called Rochester "fun" and said the area is "perfect" for the event. With country music blaring in the background and riders mounting their steeds he said he hopes to bring the rodeo culture to New England.
"The rodeo is my whole life, that's my blood and I love it," he said.
Attending the rodeo for the first time, Quinn Baldwin-Kress said he was excited to see some action. With every other patron dressed up like the Lone Ranger, Baldwin-Kress said he had an idea of what a "real" cowboy is.
"You gotta live outside the law but that's not the only requirement. You gotta know how to throw a lasso and wrangle," he said.
Up on her steed, Caitlyn Marchand was one of many horse riders at the event. Riding her horse Malachai, Marchand was participating in the barrel riding portion of the night in her second year at the New England Rodeo.
"It's like family here in Rochester," she Marchard. "Everybody here — I've grown up with them."
The event featured barrel racing, mini-bucking broncos and bull riding. As fried food flowed and the evening continued, spectators could catch glimpses of performers in the ring flying through the air.
Marchand was kicking up dirt in the arena with Malachai and has been participating in rodeos for over seven years. She said she plans to ride every weekend possible this year.
"I love the crowds, the competitiveness of all the girls. They get better and better each time we participate," she said.
Parking and seating are first-come, first-served, with bleachers and picnic tables available for guests. Tickets are $25, and kids 5-years-old and under are free.
