Rodeo returns to Rochester

ROCHESTER — Against the backdrop of a setting sun, 1,500 people gathered to view The New England Rodeo’s return to the Rochester Country Fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 19.

The bulls and barrels rodeo includes multiple events for all ages. Female riders mount their horses and compete for the fastest time in a race around three barrels which are spread throughout the ring.

The male riders, covered from head to toe in protective padding, compete for the longest time sitting atop a bucking bull while the crowd stomps and applauds, further provoking the animal’s aggression.

The rodeo also offers food trucks, vendors and mechanical bull rides.

Michael Litterio has been a vendor with New England Rodeo for four years.

“When I come here, I’m like a five year old kid all over again,” he said. “I grew up in Southie, in the projects, and now I’m a cowboy. You have a huge community here, I meet new people every time.”

The rodeo attract locals and people from all over the world, including Zane Bowyer, a man from England who spent his first day in America at the rodeo.

“I think it’s amazing,” he said. “Everything is so vibrant and everyone has been so friendly.”

Bowyer was joined by his girlfriend, Hollie Tyler.

“I really like the western culture and rodeos. I’m from England and we don’t have that over there,” she said. “It’s nice to experience something different.”

Edward Pina, who has spent twelve years as the rodeo’s in-ring announcer, said the rodeo, “brings back yesteryear’s good, honest fun without having all of the craziness of this world that we live in. It reminds you of an easier time in life.”

The night ended with one final heat of bull riding. When the dust settled, two riders earned an eighty-two point score, closing the event in a draw.

The New England Rodeo will return to the Rochester Country Fairgrounds for its last show of the season on Saturday, Oct. 3.