Cowboys ride in Sidney rodeo

It’s broncos, bulls and barrel riders as the far southwest Iowa town of Sidney hosts its 79th annual rodeo. Wayne “Bub” Smith helps run “Iowa’s Championship Rodeo” and says it’s non-stop excitement to see the competitions up-close — things like saddle bronc riding and calf-roping.Over the next several days, Smith says more than 300 contestants are taking part in an event called bulldogging, which involves two-person teams trying to rope a 500-pound steer.Another popular event at the rodeo is calf roping, which Smith says can be over in just a matter of seconds.Events in Sidney got underway on Tuesday and continue through Saturday. For more information, call 800-845-2250 or surf to “www.sidneyrodeo.com”.