Lions Club rodeo attracts 400-500

A relatively small crowd turned out at the Justice Carlisle Higgins Agricultural Fairgrounds last Friday and Saturday, but the spectators in attendance were treated to quite a show. The second annual Sparta Lions Club/Trojan Chevrolet Rodeo attracted about 400-500 people during the two-day event. Showers and thunderstorms on Saturday may have played a part in holding down the numbers.

"It (attendance) was a little low," Randy Andrews, owner of Trojan Chevrolet, said. "The weather hurt us a little, but the rain broke about 7:30 Saturday evening and gave us a window of opportunity, so we went ahead as planned."

The rodeo, part of the Ernie Treadway Southern Rodeo Association, featured eight championship events.

Cliff Toliver, Ennice, teamed with Brian Lawrence to bring home first place in the team roping competition. Toliver is a student who has been competing on the college rodeo circuit.

Jo MaCaleb, Ware Shoals, S.C., won the saddle bronc riding, Kevin Taylor of Cummings Ga. took first place in the bareback riding and Cliff Hammond of Chester, S.C. finished first in calf roping.