Rodeo 2019 – a first for many
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, April 20, 2019
The 2019 Rupununi Rodeo attracted many first-timers who travelled to Lethem mostly from Georgetown. Visitors of all ages came either by air or by the trail to have their own personal first-hand experience at witnessing a Rodeo.
With hundreds of patrons flocking the Rupununi Ranchers, Rodeo Ground, day one of the event kicked off. Some of the first-timers took the opportunity to share with the Department of Public Information (DPI) their experience being there as many came fuelled with high expectations.
John Flores, who travelled to the Rupununi with a group of friends said, “it’s my first time here and it’s been a very nice experience so far, we came up yesterday [Good Friday] so we are just taking in everything right now.”
A re-migrant from Trinidad and Tobago, Tiffany Roberts is thrilled she took the trip to Lethem as it has made her notice the richness of the Indigenous culture and the pristine beauty which exists beyond Georgetown.
“It’s actually my first experience at the rodeo, just moved back home actually so it’s a great experience I particularly love the Indigenous art that they have; it just portrays their talent… didn’t actually know Guyana was this beautiful until I came into the interior region so it says a lot.”
Meanwhile, others travelled to Lethem with their families with the simple expectation of enjoying the Easter weekend.
Orlando Jackman, owner of Fas Grafix said, “it’s the first time I am here at the Rodeo and yes, I am blown away and amazed, even after a long 24-hour drive, but you know what? At the end of the day it is worth every minute of it.”
The first day of activities at the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo ground included bareback riding (bareback bronco), wild cow milking, calf roping, the beer run and bull riding.
The Rodeo continues throughout the Easter weekend with activities such as three and two-furlong horse races, cow race and barrel races just to mention a few. Patrons also visited booths set up by both Brazilians and Guyanese and experienced the Rupununi culture.
Another rodeo will be held at Sand Creek Village on Easter Monday with vaqueros and other competitors fully prepared and ready to entertain.
Delicia Haynes.
Images: Keno George.