Eli McNeese, 3, pets a goat at the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville Saturday evening. "Her name is Delilah," Eli said. He is the son of Drake and Courtney McNeese of Greenwood Springs. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Hollie Ladner, of Poplarville, lassos a calf during the breakaway roping event at the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Molly Mott, 7 1/2, takes a ride during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. "I liked talking to the person who helped while I rode," Molly said. Emily Leister of Oxford led her on the pony ride. Molly is the daughter of Don and Leigh Mott of Oxford. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Cody McElroy ties his spurs on before riding a bull during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. "I've been in rodeos my whole life and started bull riding in sixth grade," he said. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

A rider carries the American flag for the opening ceremony of the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville Saturday evening. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Casey Don Greer of Quitman, Arkansas, wrestles a steer during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

A horse and announcer perform tricks during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Hayden Wyatt Ferguson, of Cold Springs, Texas, rides First Instinct during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville Saturday evening. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

James Allen Couch, of Cullman, Alabama, rides Three Days during the Rotary Classic Rodeo in Starkville. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff

Rylee S. Heath of Okanogan, Washington, rides bareback on bucking horse Muddy Trails on Saturday at the 19th annual Rotary Rodeo at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville. The two-day event started Friday and featured contestants from 23 states. Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff