Southwest Highways March 2013 | Page 23

March 2013 22

Corn dog, funnel cake, or fried candy bar? Pick one and head back to the barns. Wherever you live there is a state livestock show near you, the largest ones having the most attractions, from the excitement of the rodeo to the dazzling carnival to the judging of the fair and livestock shows to animal auctions, live music, infamous fried foods, petting zoos, pig races, fashion shows, art exhibits, barbecue cook-offs, pony rides, and shopping for every kind of jewelry, souvenir, cowboy home décor, and cowskin rug you can think of, not forgetting the fabulous combination RV/horse trailers with built-in TV and shower, for you, not the horses.

The appeal of the carnival is the thrill of dizzying rides, the bright, spinning lights and musical jingles emanating from every booth, the ubiquitous fried foods and the banter of hawkers. The rodeo features amazing trick riders, daredevil bull riders, powerful steer wrestlers, skillful bareback riding, lightning-fast barrel racing, team roping and the hilarity of little kids jumping on sheep in the mutton bustin’ competition.

Mutton Bustin'

Puyallup, Washington

-Emergency Break

4-H Boy Showing his Angus Steer

Anne Arundel County, Maryland

-United States Department of Agriculture

Funnel Cake

-"Lorax"