tried to catch the pigs covered in grease for a special prize was acrowd favoritewith lots of laughter and participation . Thewatermelon eating competition was abig hit with visitors participating and the ladies joined in the fun with adance off competition .
The main eventsthen followed with the various vaqueros participating in the bull riding and horse-riding contests . Showcasing their riding abilities as they skillfully maneuvered on the saddles of the bucking broncos and energetic bulls to see who could remain on the saddle the longest without been thrown off by the animal .
The bareback bronco was an especially entertaining segment to view , the skill and balance required by the
cowboys often times leaving the crowd at the edge of their seats . One such appealing event , was the lady ’ s segment of the bareback bronco and one such lady caught our eye .
Tayna Aarjoan from Lethem is an employee of a public sector agency but shares an innate love for horseback riding was a shining point of the weekend .
“ This is my second time riding horses . The first time was before COVID and everything and I got first then [ this year I decided to try again ] because I just like it ,” she said when she spoke to us .
She added ,” I never practiced riding horses , my dad had worked at a ranch before and I had a lot of exposure to horses but I never really practiced or anything . He would just put us to ride . I just like it because I enjoy it and I can ’ t really explain it .”
Later in the afternoon , the Rupununi committee welcomed the President of Guyana and several Government Ministers who declared the event open , promising an unseen form of development from this major tourism and industry hub . “ We intend to build this event to be the best ,” the President said .
16 | TOURISM GUYANA 2022