Gates fly open to the tune of 6,000 little cheers.
Elementary school students from across Central Texas hang loose at the mini rodeo in Belton Wednesday. It's a fun break from class and a way to tease Bell County with what's to come at the Expo Center this weekend.
"It's done for the kids to get them excited, want them to come back for the real performance," said veteran rodeo clown Rudy Burns.
Bull riding, barrel racing, roping and dirt biking fascinated students. Performing in the arena were mostly locals, like Belton native Ronelle Schneider.
"I love the sport, I love the horses, I love the crowd it's a great event," she said while riding an 11-year-old gelding named Lucky.
The morning brings lots of laughs as Rudy keeps the kids entertained. A fake skunk launched into the crowd sends screaming children running.
"We look for kids for 10 minutes!" he joked.
And it's the first big debut from the smallest barrel racer in Texas: a rescue dog named Mojo.
"He does many many tricks and he loves to run the barrels," said owner Connie Hall.
With so many attractions, everyone has a favorite.
"The horses!" many students scream excitedly.
And this mini rodeo is just a small taste of what the arena will see in the coming days.
For information on the 25th Annual PRCA Rodeo and Stock Show click here.
Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Thuan Nguyen
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