JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of people filled the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to cheer on African-American cowboys and cowgirls as they showcased their talents.
RELATED: 10-year-old Jacksonville native to compete in the Jacksonville Juneteenth Rodeo
Chef Love was one of the attendees trying to stay cool on a hot day.
“I was a little concerned because it’s a very hot day, and one of the things that I need to be prepared is to have plenty of ice water to keep hydrated,” Chef Love said.
Shailyn Williams participated in the barrel racing competition with her horse Apple.
She electrified the crowd with excitement as she performed in her second year at the Black Rodeo.
“I do horseback riding and I just love it,” Williams said.
She said she’s been riding since she was 4 years old with a goal of becoming a professional barrel racer.
“I am a champion in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying,” Williams said.
Her father John McKinney said he’s proud of her success.
“We’re going to keep pushing forward for this right here and one day we’re going to be up at the big top up there,” McKinney said.
Over 600 people were outside the venue tailgating before the rodeo.
Ernest Reid said it’s nice to have something like this in Jacksonville.
“I think it’s really exciting with everybody coming together they had a good time,” Reid said. Good event, good food, and good family.”
Since the event was so popular, many ticket holders couldn’t get into the venue.
If you bought your ticket through the Black Rodeo, the organizer said it will issue you a refund.
If you purchased a ticket through a third-party website, you’ll have to contact them for a possible refund.
The Black Rodeo will travel to Oklahoma for its next show.