Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Rodeo tradition in LaBelle
Posted: 06.08.2012 at 1:46 PM
Updated: 06.08.2012 at 2:55 PM
Kristen Aguirre

Kristen Aguirre is a KHQA This Morning Live Anchor for KHQA.

0
The LaBelle Rodeo is the oldest consecutive rodeo in Missouri.  / Kristen Aguirre
Photo

LABELLE, MO. -- Landon Henderson and his sister are a sibling duo that have been competing in rodeo's since they were 2-years-old. Coming back to LaBelle every year for its rodeo is a tradition that's near to their hearts because their great grandfather was one of the original people who started the event.

"It's a family deal, it's the way rodeo pretty much is ... it's a family thing," Henderson said. "It's the way of life, it's the only thing we've ever known really."

The LaBelle Rodeo has been held for the past 62 years. It's the oldest consecutive rodeo in Missouri and helping to keep that going is the LaBelle Rodeo Association.

"It's a lot of work," Denny Scifres, LaBelle Rodeo Association president, said. "We got quite a few members that help out, we got a lot of volunteers that help out and getting everything set up as far as the ground and the shack and the whole thing."

"It's really wonderful to have a community that sticks together and wants to carry on a tradition," Laura Anania, a LaBelle Rodeo Association member said.

Still, this rodeo isn't all about tradition, it's also about keeping skills fresh.

"These are still skills that people use everyday on the farm if they have cows, if they have horses ... you have to learn how to throw a rope," Anania said. "It's just important to keep these skills alive."

And of course practicing those skills is more fun when you have your little sister by your side.

"It's cool seeing her growing up and doing the same things I use to do when I was that age," Henderson said.

LaBelle throws a full scale rodeo that has nine events like steer wrestling, calf roping, and barrel racing. Rodeo performances start Friday and Saturday at eight 8 p.m. at the LaBelle Rodeo Arena.

Related Links

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Teenager arrested for setting fire to Sprouts Inn
Rajah Maples  |  Yesterday at 7:56 PM  |  6 comments
Thumbnail
Ralls County 911 director resigns
Jim Whitfield  |  Yesterday at 5:00 PM
Thumbnail
Former Kutters location undergoes chicks invasion
KHQA Newsdesk  |  Monday, June 17, 2013  |  3 comments
Follow Connect Tri-States
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Senior Living
Info on senior living from our experts
Expert Connect Legal
Legal info from our experts
Expert Connect Auto
Automotive info from our experts
Beauty & Wellness
Beauty and wellness info from our experts
ADVERTISEMENT