YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A young girl sat high on a horse, holding the American flag while hundreds of people recited the pledge of allegiance and sang the national anthem.
This was a scene from today at Wellsville Frontier Days, which hosted a Memorial Day Rodeo that brought spectators, competitors, and mares from near and far. The venue has been hosting events for years.
“It’s been an ongoing tradition,” said Ron Goforth, the president of the Wellsville Frontier Days Riding Club. “The rodeo started in 1962 at the firehouse and a bunch of local people got together on Memorial Day and Labor Day and now it’s expanded.”
The Memorial Day Rodeo called attention to those who served and made it home while also acknowledging those who died in the line of duty. Some of the competitors even put aside the challenge to thank them for their service.
“We’re here to honor those who have died in the service for us,” said Morissa Hall, a participant and competitor out of Baltimore. “We’re very grateful for them and we just hope that everybody has a great day and a great time out here and we thank everybody who made the journey to get up here to watch us compete.”
Hall has been riding for five years and competed in Monday’s pole and barrel racing. Along with Hall, Lilly Fisher who’s been riding since she was young, and Ayden Esterline, who has only been riding for a year, said they were excited about the competition but didn’t want nerves to get the best of them.
Although they all have varying experiences, they have one thing in common.
“It’s very much adrenaline feeling,” said Esterline.
“The best part about competing…It’s probably the adrenaline rush after and before,” said Fisher.
Hall said, “It is difficult but at the end of the day it’s so much fun and the adrenaline just keeps you going and keeps you pushing.”
Wellsville Frontier Days is a nonprofit based out of York County that is volunteer-based. Organizers say whether you’re a member or just love horses, they’re always welcoming more people to join their team. For more information, click here.
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