By Sahar Chmais
For the first time in decades, Buda put on a rodeo that wrangled up more than 1,500 residents.
For one chilly night, the Pinballz Kingdom parking lot turned into a haven of cowboy hats, barbecue food, the sound of music and children, topped off with the smell of beer.
Spectators clung to the rusty metal bars as they cheered on the bull riders and mutton busters.
“While we say Buda is a place to breathe easy, the bull riding and mutton busting caused plenty of heart-stopping and breathless moments at the Buda Rodeo,” said John Hatch, chairman of Buda Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC). “Another great event by the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce.”
The riders had the audience gasping, but the winner, Elvin Oliveria from Brazil, stole the show by scoring 86.5 points. Oliveria and Michael Earl were the only two riders who stayed on their bulls for over eight seconds.
Oliveria roped in a purse of more than $1,600 and Earl secured a purse of more than $1,000.
Residents showed their excitement for getting back to community activities, and the BACC complied with that request.
“We had more people show up for this event than expected,” said BACC Director J.R. Gonzales. “We are already making plans for next year to expand the rodeo’s parking and seating. This inaugural rodeo was made possible by Buda Area Chamber of Commerce members and local businesses. Our local business community really stepped up to help and provided Buda with some good old fashion outdoor family fun.”
