And the joy and the pain

And they call the thing rodeo

- Garth Brooks

BELTON - Bell County residents have grown accustomed to celebrating Fourth of July holidays with more than just Black Cats, sparklers, bottle rockets and other firecrackers.

To many of them, it’s also about the saddles, spurs, cowboy hats and announcer Charlie Throckmorton’s voice. This year will be no different.

Today through Saturday, the 84th annual Belton Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo returns to Bell County Expo Center to provide another entertaining show. All three performances begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

“It’s one of the biggest events of the year for our area,” rodeo coordinator Keith Smith said.

During the three-day event, 335 cowboys and cowgirls from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas and Utah will strut their talents while competing in the traditional rodeo events.

Among local competitors are Belton’s Joe Beers and Taylor Mitchell, who will compete in team roping Friday. Rogers’ Sandra Richter will compete in the slack barrel racing today.

The All-American Cowgirl Chicks, an equestrian drill team, will perform each night.

“They are worth the price of admission,” Smith said. “They do trick riding, carry (American and Texas) flags and do a lot of neat stuff.”

Throckmorton, who has been announcing the rodeo since 1988, once again will call the action. The stock will be provided by Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company of Fairfield, while “Shotgun” Rodney Gaston will be the clown.

Today is Military Appreciation Night, with all active military getting in free.

cmeister@temple-telegram.com