The Ralph Morgan Rodeo was back in action Friday night as locals packed the stands of the Ralph Morgan Arena, taking in the 77th semi-annual extravaganza.

    “We’re excited to be back,” said Lisa Clayton, who oversees advertising and marketing for the Ralph Morgan Rodeo. “We have people coming here from as far as 150 miles away. We have an action packed rodeo with the top cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Southeast.”

    About 200 cowboys competed in seven different events, including calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, team roping and women’s barrel racing. All the events are sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

    “This is our first-year attending this event,” Jim Pryor said, who recently moved to the area from Wisconsin with his wife Kim Pryor.

    Added Kim, “We’re hoping to see a lot of action.”

    And the fans certainly were, as they cheered on some of the best rodeo competitors from around the region.

    “It’s always a great feeling when there is a great crowd on hand, and we have a great crowd tonight,” said Slatyr Hunnicutt, who competed saddle bronc riding event. “It pushes you to do your best, and you have perform your best against this competition; everyone who gets on can really ride.”

Spectators were also treated to an appearance by Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Bergen Pitfield of Purvis.

    “This is my first appearance as Miss Mississippi,” Pitfield said. “This is just a fun event. I’m having a terrific time, and I just dream of stuff like this, and I’m so glad that my dreams are coming true.”

    Additionally, festivites included children’s calf scramble, and a children’s dance competition, in addition to entertainment from world-renowned comedian circus clown Lecile Harris.

    “This is a going to be a great time for everyone,” Clayton said. “And I’m told that Lecile is going to have a new act (this weekend) that he’s never done before; he saved it for Lauderdale.”

    In the end, Friday’s events was about competition between the cowboys, putting on a good show for the fans, and an all-around good time for everyone involved.

“We’ve been coming to the rodeo for years,” fan Meagan Wilborn said. “My son (Landon) likes the (children’s calf scramble), and we enjoy the cowboys showing their skills off. I think this is a tremendous event for the area, and I look forward to it each time.”

    The rodeo will continue at 7:30 p.m. today.