All Smiles at the Special Needs Rodeo

FORT MADISON - Despite Saturday's scorching heat, the participants at the Special Needs' Rodeo were their own rays of sunshine.
The event took place at the Rodeo Arena in Fort Madison at 11 am. Attendees took part in activities with their families and cooled down with some lunch at the lunch station by the ring.
Lisa Wood, Special Kids Rodeo chairperson said, “Well, we had we ended up with 187 participants. Which was really good. I mean, I was shocked with this, as hot as it was.” Wood says this turnout was the most the rodeo's had in a long time. 
The activities included simulated bronc and bull riding,  face painting, riding horses, trolley rides, barrel racing, and enjoying the petting zoo. The workers were all smiles and very interactive with the participants.
There was a station where people were getting their faces painted with all sorts of bright colors, a bottle of water in every hand as families mingled.
The horse riding station was lined up with eager kids with their cowboy hats. A young girl on her very first horse ride, named Rosie Stivers, was excitedly calling out to her grandma, who was behind the gate and cheering her on. 
The petting zoo was full of kids curiously studying and petting the animals. 

John Strieker was having a good time at a table next to his friends Julie, Shelley and Nick saying he was staying cool under the shade. Next to them were the face painting tables where Winnie Benner, another particpant, was getting her face painted with bright orange and pink colors. 
The Rodeo did end a little early due to the heat, but Wood says there were no health emergencies.
“I didn't see anyone having, you know, there was no issues. Everyone, I think had a great time and lunch was great and face painting was popular as always," Wood expressed, saying that it was a wonderful event this year.