Park program features rodeo stars

Photo

Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Bryan Montgomery (back) lends a helping hand, and some instruction, to Wyatt Kos (front) at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm’s rodeo program June 27.

Photo

Nancy Burcaw (left) and her daughter, Kaylee, of North Benton, Ohio, work on a craft in the Agventure Barn at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm’s rodeo program.

Photo

Sarah Montgomery demonstrates how she ropes a dummy steer at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm’s rodeo program.

By ABBY SLANKER

neighbors@vindy.com

A real cowboy and cowgirl visited the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm June 27, to show off their roping and tying skills and to teach attendees how they can do it, too.

Bryan Montgomery and his daughter, Sarah, held a demonstration on roping and tying a dummy steer at the farm. They also invited audience members to participate and taught them how to lasso the steer. Montgomery also talked about rodeo events and what it is like to compete in a rodeo and answered questions from the audience.

Montgomery is vice president of the Ohio High School Rodeo Association and holds demonstrations at schools and 4-H symposiums. The association is a growing program and has members from schools in Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

Sarah and her partner, Kyle Smith, won the team roping event at the Ohio High School Rodeo Association state tournament and traveled to Gillette, Wyo., to compete in the National High School Rodeo Association tournament.

Sarah is also vice president of the student officers of the Ohio High School Rodeo Association.

The farm also offered rodeo-themed crafts in the Agventure Barn, including rodeo stencils and foam horse kits.