FAISON — Tara Creek brought together national acts to Faison for its pro rodeos on April 19 and 20.
The big lights and ecstatic arena featured many acts throughout the evenings. Barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding and more took place — even the always cute mutton busting with little ones riding sheep in the hopes to become future cowboys and cowgirls.
Dennis “Strawberry” Pruitt puts on the rodeo as owner and stock contractor of Double Creek Pro Rodeo. He earned his nickname “Strawberry” from his red hair growing up and sweet attitude. Strawberry rode bulls until 1997, when he and his wife Robin had their first child. He started leasing cattle which turned into producing rodeos — about thirty shows per year on the road.
His family never participated in rodeos but his son, Tyler is actively involved as a saddle bronc rider and helps run the shows. He travels with his wife who also rides whom he met during high school rodeo, and of course their horse named Shakira.
“Dad puts on the rodeos here so that’s kind of how I got into it but I never really started riding broncs till I was eighteen, senior year of high school was when I really started.”
In terms of Tara Creek, “I just enjoy hanging out. This is a really nice rodeo to come to. Really nice facility and community around here. Really good crowd. I really like the environment that Lee and Amanda bring to it.”
Jeffrey Summers is a 21 year old bull rider from Rutherford, North Carolina. He fell into his bull riding passion and career through discovery. Summers did not have people in his personal circle who were bull riders but he did watch footage from YouTube to inspire him to try it out.
“If you’re looking to start a career like this and haven’t tried it yet, the first thing is find a really good mentor. It’s real easy to pick up a lot of bad habits but if you start with a good mentor, that’ll give you a big head start. Look at somebody who is doing what you want to do,” said Summers.
It was crucial for Summers to find community since he came into the career not knowing anyone. Since his start, he has grown by enjoying the ride and making meaningful connections, one day at a time.
“What I enjoy most about it is probably…there ain’t nothing like the feeling of doing a good ride and stepping off a bull. Obviously you make a lot of good friends and family. It’s a lot more than just the riding. You make a lot of friends and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Experiences that you can’t really buy. That’s what makes it complete.”
“The one thing that I wished I had done a little bit different is not trying to move up so fast. Take it slower and dominate each level as you go instead of trying to jump ahead of yourself and go places you don’t need to before you’re ready to,” he said.
The master of ceremonies or Rodeo Clown at the rodeo was led by the multi-talented Keith who grew up on a tobacco farm around horses and ponies. “Back then I was in junior rodeos for kids, I was riding bulls and bucking horses,” he said.
He then moved into comedic hosting on the road over time. His beloved pony Pumpkin and horse named Otis are his star-studded special guests that come along for performances.
Keith shared, “I have been so blessed to be a part of this because it’s just unbelievable where it has taken me.”
Tara Creek brings together world class acts to the venue and plans many more to come. You can view their full schedule at taracreek.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0