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GALLERY: Southeastern Pro Rodeo in Ocala

The Ocala Pro Rodeo held it’s 21st annual Southeastern Pro Rodeo last weekend at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala.

Both nights began with the National Anthem, a group prayer and recognition of past and present American troops for their service.

In addition to the traditional rodeo events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding, the rodeo provided entertainment through performances by John Payne (“The One Armed Bandit") and comedic banter between the rodeo announcer and rodeo clown.

Vendors from all over Florida came out to sell eager patrons their traditional rodeo staples: Corn dogs, sweet tea and funnel cakes.

On Friday, the rodeo offered children aged 6-11 a $5 admission and special discounts for families who attended the rodeo.

On Saturday, the rodeo celebrated “Pink Night at the Rodeo,” in recognition of breast cancer awareness and in support of the Michelle-O-Gram Foundation. The slogan of the night was, “Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink.”  Donations were also taken up in support of the cause.

<i>Two cowboys ride through the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Friday night, March 21, 2014.</i>

<i>Clovis Crane of Lebanon, PA competes in the bull riding competition at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Friday night, March 21, 2014. Crane also competed in the bareback riding, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding competitions. </i>

<i>A young spectator pets a horse at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Friday night, March </i>

<i>An entrant at the Ocala Pro Rodeo rides back to the shoots after competing in </i>

<i>Two children make faces at one another during the intermission of the Ocala </i>

<i>Funnel cake was a staple late-night snack at the Ocala Pro Rodeo. </i>

<i>Robert Appel of Hollywood, Fla. competes in the Tie Down Roping </i>

<i>Josh Griggs of Fraser, CO rodeo Dragon Ninja at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Friday </i>

<i>Clovis Crane of Lebanon, PA competes in the bull riding competition at the </i>

<i>Leo Mobley of McAlpine, Fla. rides back to the shoots after competing in the steer wrestling competition at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 22, 2014. </i>

<i>A young girl looks on as the rodeo contestants compete at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 21, 2014.</i>

<i>Fans of the rodeo look on as events unfold at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 22, 2014. </i>

<i>Jason Hanchey of Okeechobee, Fla. rides back to the shoots after competing in the tie down roping event at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 22, 2014.</i>

<i>Heather Clemons competes in the barrel racing competition at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 22, 2014. </i>

<i>Hollywood Flores of Weirsdale, Fla. rides bull Banana Twist at the Ocala Pro Rodeo on Saturday night, March 22, 2014. </i>

Amber is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.