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Media Credit: MapQuest

Media Credit: Rebecca Sprague Derrick Younger breaks from the box as he has his sights on the calf. Younger was successful in roping and tying his calf.

The opening of the chute signals action in the arena and excitement from the crowd. The cowboy hangs on to the bull as he is thrusted in the air. His hat flies to the ground just as the buzzer signals a qualified ride. He jumps off the bull and runs to the fence with a smile on his face.

Rodeos are traditions for many Midwest families. Many people participate in rodeos all their lives, while others just enjoy watching. Spectators and participants wear their best rodeo attire: plaid shirt, cowboy hat, tight jeans, belt buckle and boots.

The Midwest is a primary location for rodeos. Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are states that have the most competitions.

In order to qualify for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association finals, competitors must qualify in October according to their points for the entire year. The PRCA finals are held in December of each year.

Two big rodeos held in the Midwest each year are the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., and the River City Roundup in Omaha, Neb.

The rodeo has always been a community event. Families enjoy watching and cheering on local competitors.

Ashley Lyle has attended the 12th Annual Ed Phillips Memorial Rodeo in Maryville, Mo., for 8 years. She also has participated in numerous other rodeos for 5 years. Lyle says she attends every year because she "knows a lot of the contestants because they are local people."

Others attend because of the atmosphere.

"I attend rodeos because it is a family tradition and it is a lot of fun," fan Jake Carlson said. "I also like seeing the competitors and people I know."

See links for the American Royal and River City Roundup below.

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