Under the bright lights of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, young rodeo enthusiasts experienced a day they would not soon forget. Filled with excitement and learning, the Exceptional Rodeo offered children with special needs the chance to step into the boots of the rodeo stars they admire.
Eight-year-old Serenity Oakley from Harrisburg was among those who embraced the challenge, making tight loops around barrels and learning to rope a dummy calf with guidance from professional rodeo cowboys. “I just tried, tried my best,” she shared, beaming with pride.
Bringing Rodeo to All
Before the First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo kicked off at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, cowboys and cowgirls dedicated their time to the Exceptional Rodeo, an event designed to give children with special needs a taste of the rodeo life. “It’s something that everybody loves to do. It’s very fulfilling for the contestants, everybody involved,” said rodeo organizer Becky Clanton, emphasizing the joy it brings to both participants and volunteers.
The New Holland Arena, the largest venue at the Farm Show Complex, was prepared with care to accommodate children who use wheelchairs. The arena buzzed with energy as spectators filled its 7,318 seats, cheering on the young rodeo participants.
Serenity’s mother, Cari Oakley, watched proudly as her daughter navigated the various events. “I think it’s a good opportunity for special needs kids to get out there and interact and be themselves,” she remarked.
Jackson King, another 8-year-old from Harrisburg, showed a delighted grin after successfully roping a mannequin’s horns. His mother, Amber Hammaker, expressed joy at seeing Jackson enjoy the activity, saying, “It’s so exciting, because he has such a hard time with the patience to learn things like this.”
Rodeo Royalty and Volunteers
Rodeo queens and competitors from across the nation joined the event, signing autographs and sharing their love for the sport. Starla Miller, Miss Keystone State Rodeo, attended the show, continuing her tradition of visiting the farm show each year. “I just love this, seeing all the little kids and just seeing big smiles on their faces,” she said.
Karissa Landis, a barrel racing competitor, spent her afternoon guiding children through barrel racing with stick horses. “This truly is amazing for these kids,” Landis noted, emphasizing the importance of introducing them to the world of rodeo.
