SOUTHAVEN, Miss — The rodeo is back in Mississippi!
Between bull riding and bronco bucking, fans were exhilarated for an event they have missed. The Rodeo of the Mid-South was one of the first major events held at the Landers Center since the pandemic started.
Now that all state-enforced Covid-19 restrictions in Mississippi have been lifted, people, like Johnny Ray Atkinson Jr., were happy to get out and attend an exciting show.
"It couldn’t have been no better!" Atkinson said. "The only thing that would have been better is if I was barrel racing myself!"
The crowd was not nearly the size it is annually due to a 50% capacity limit at the Landers Center, but thousands were still able to attend between Saturday and Sunday.
For Kelsey Mallett, it was a chance for a tradition with her daughters.
"Oh, it was great!" Mallett said. "Fun time for the kids and it was both of their first time and they loved it."
For many in the stands, it was not their first rodeo. They loved being able to have this as their first major event since the pandemic started.
"We ain’t been to nothing in a long time," Atkinson said.
Mallett said it was a relief to have some normalcy again.
"It was like a breath of fresh air," Mallett said. "We just were so excited to get out and not wear masks and be able to have fun and do family activities and be with our friends."
As restrictions slowly loosen across the Mid-South, Mallett is looking forward to more events soon.
"Hopefully, some concerts!" Mallett said. "We’re ready for some concerts."
Most said they also look forward to more shows just like the one they enjoyed Sunday afternoon.
"I’ll be back next year I guarantee," Atkinson said. "If it’s any other kind of rodeo here I’ll be back for it!"