A rough ride? Better bull-eve it

The fair shuttle service has been expanded two hours.
By JAYME RAMSON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BAZETTA -- A number of elements factor into winning a rodeo, a group of local bull riders said before they competed in the Bull-A-Rama at the Trumbull County Fair on Friday night.
"What is takes is eight seconds, a mean bull, a lot of heart, staying on your bull and making it all look good," they said.
More than 50 entries competed in Friday's rodeo, which showcased mostly local riders. The event was separated into three categories: barrel racing, bull riding and bronc riding.
The local participants, who have been competing against each other for about 10 years, were riding in front of family and friends in addition to a filled grandstand.
"As far as riding in front of a bunch of people that we know in that grandstand, it feels good because we all ride local rodeos and we ride away from home and we finally get the opportunity to ride in front of a bunch of people that don't come watch us ride every Friday and Saturday night," bull rider Daris Metheny of Greene said.
'Means a lot'
"It means a lot in our hearts and as far as climbing on these bulls, it's probably going to give us a lot of energy to ride."
Rodeo fans were just as happy as the riders to see the event come to the Trumbull County Fair.
"I'm all for this," said Ray Sanders of Youngstown, a former professional bull rider.
"I just wish they'd have events like this more often around here. I used to ride and I love this. It's real rough and real dangerous but it's a good event to watch."
Fair officials have also been looking forward to the event.
"We got a good turnout for a first-time event," said Richard Roscoe, president of the Trumbull County Agricultural Society (fair board).
"A lot of mud, but we're doing good. We haven't had a rodeo for 20 years and if it's good, we'll have another one next year."
Shuttle service
Roscoe added that the fair board decided to change the shuttle service from 4-11 p.m. to 2-11 p.m.
The shuttle brings fairgoers to the grounds from the Trumbull County Career and Technical Center in Champion, where there is paved parking.
The TCTC is off of state Route 45. The shuttle will run today and Sunday to help visitors avoid the muddy lots at the fairgrounds.
Lots at the fairgrounds will remain open but are very muddy from daily rain.