Livingston native Blade Elliot clutched the reins that rested in the palm of his hands, clinching as tightly as he possibly can while his horse, Absolute, attempted to buck him to the ground.

It’s back.

Patrons from across east Mississippi and its surrounding areas flocked to Lauderdale to take in the 78th Semi-Annual Ralph Morgan Rodeo Friday night.

Despite rain showers in the forecast, a large contingent of fans enjoyed laughs and saw plenty of action and had an overall good time for everyone involved.

“It’s bigger and better every year,” said Linda Clayton, who oversees advertising and marketing for the Ralph Morgan Rodeo. “The Ralph Morgan family puts on a great rodeo each time.”

Fans were treated to the hysterics of rodeo clown Lecile Harris, in addition to being entertained by some of the best rodeo entertainers from around the country.

The event marks the 39th year the rodeo has visited Lauderdale.

Festivities also included children’s calf scramble and a children’s dance competition.

“This is my second time here,” said 6-year-old Jamar Gale, who was in attendance with his mother Dana Gale. “I like to come and see the bulls.”

Competitors took part in a wide-range of events which included: calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, team roping and women’s barrel racing, with each rodeo participant drawing a round of “oohs” and “aHS,” followed by a resounding round of applause for their efforts.

“We have great athletes from all over the Southeast,” Clayton said. “They are here doing their very best to earn as many points to get into the (National Finals Rodeo) in November.”

Among the cowboys competing was Tyler Pearson, who participated in the steer wrestling event.

Pearson, a native of Louisville, took home fourth place at the NFR in 2014 and is currently ranked No. 13 in the country.

“My dad was here, and we’re about 90-minutes from my house, so this is fun,” Pearson said. “It’s cool to get back to your roots and having people that know you come out and watch and support you. It’s all good.

“It’s all about the start,” Pearson said in reference to a good steer wrestling run. “You just wrap your arms around (the steer’s) horns and try to throw them to the the ground.”

Fans are encouraged to intend today’s festivities as the rodeo wraps up its two-day event.

“We want everyone to come out and join us,” Clayton said. “We have great food, fun, covered bleachers and security. It will be another good time for everyone.”