In the planning stages, it was hoped that many would help celebrate the the much touted 70th anniversary of the Butler Saddle Club Rodeo and yes, Bates County stepped up and more than filled those expectations.
All three nights the grandstands were near capacity as well as action in the arena with mutton bustin to kick things off each night followed by non stop competition in bull riding, barrel racing, the ‘Ring of Fire’, bronc riding, wild horse races, team roping and more.
Here's the highlights:
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The 2023 Butler Saddle Club Rodeo Queen is Maecy Claiborne of Urich, Mo. and Princess Raquel Lane of Nevada, Mo. Both were crowned during ceremonies on Sunday evening.
A SPECIAL SURPRISE Cameron Anderson (middle left) and McCrae Rogers (middle right) were called to the arena and much to their surprise both were awarded Dick and Ruby Gee scholarships. Cameron will be a Senior at Butler high school and enjoys riding saddle broncs as witnessed Sunday evening. McCrae will be a Senior at Hume high school and competed in the High School National Finals Rodeo in bull riding. Likewise, he showed his skills in bull riding Sunday evening as well. They are pictured with Butler Saddle Club Secretary Pam Craft and President Kenny Gabriel.
Wild Horse Race winners Layton Gabriel, Cody Grabriel, and Justin Simms pictured with President Kenny Gabriel and 2022 Princess Addison Davis.
MUTTON BUSTIN CHAMP Beckett Pierce, 8 year old son of Derek and Kyla Pierce of Adrian, Missouri. Beckett is pictured with President Kenney Gabriel and 2022 Princess Addison Davis.
Raffle winners were gun or $500-Chris Closser; State Fair pack or $200-JoHanne Parks.
The Butler Saddle Club would like to thank everyone for showing 70 years of support. Plans are already in the works to make next year's rodeo even better yet.
