Latest news with #NewEnglandRodeo
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
A rodeo in Massachusetts? Here's where you can find it.
A rodeo in Massachusetts? The state's only weekly bull riding and barrel racing competition can be found in Rochester on the South Coast. The New England Rodeo originally opened in Lancaster in 2009 before moving to the Rochester Fairgrounds. "Most of the time, people come out and say, 'Oh, that's a real rodeo?'" said Elias DaSilva, a retired bull rider who owns the rodeo. It's quiet during the day but on the weekends, 3,000 spectators pack the stands. The rodeo draws in competitors from all over New England and even as far away as Brazil. That's where DaSilva is from. "Over here, this rodeo, people have never been to a rodeo before, they learn day-by-day how to be a cowboy," said DaSilva. DaSilva has raised all the participating bulls, who live on a nearby farm. When they're not at the rodeo, DaSilva said the bulls spend most of their days grazing on grain. They also love to play in the snow in the winter. "Those bulls have to be very healthy. I have some bulls over here, they're 12 years old," said DaSilva. "They have a pretty good life, they work like eight seconds every couple of weeks." New England Rodeo also offers clinics for new bull riders and opportunities for visitors to get up close to the animals. "I made a lot of bull riders in Massachusetts already!" said DaSilva. For DaSilva, the real satisfaction comes from giving New Englanders a chance to experience a longtime Western tradition, connecting with the cultural phenomenon dating back to 1888 in America. "I love this, I love to raise the bulls, I love to take care of the bulls," said DaSilva. "People come out and see it for the first time and love it." The rodeos are on every other Saturday night through September 30th. For more information, visit their website.
Boston Globe
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
The rodeo rides into Rochester
Families encircled the dusty arena wearing their own cowboy swag of silver jewelry, Ariat shirts tucked into tight jeans, and polished boots. The women sported long ponytails and the men favored big cowboy hats. Bull riders line up in the arena during the opening ceremony with the playing of the national anthem. A touch of cowboy culture is taking over the small town of Rochester as the New England Rodeo has landed for the season. Up to 20 professional bull riders from all over New England, and as far away as Brazil, compete as thousands of spectators line the outdoor arena. The event is held at the former Rochester Fair Grounds every other Saturday from June 14 to Sept. 30. The rodeo also hosts barrel racers with riders of all ages. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Augusto Vieira gets a long ride around the arena during the bull riding competition. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff A young rider walks to her horse at the New England Rodeo. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Large pickup trucks parked next to horse trailers on the open field, and the air was filled with the aroma of fresh cut hay. Large steel bullpens enclosed 1,000-pound bulls that seemed friendly enough to pet, but were just waiting for their next victim. Most of the professional bull riders are Brazilians who have strong bonds with each other as they compete in Professional Bull Riders circuit events. Brazilians have dominated the circuit, winning 11 world championships. In addition to bull riding there's barrel racing, and for youngsters bucking bronco pony riding. Advertisement Bull rider Andrew Cox from Coventry, R.I., stood shirtless in the blazing sun near the tailgate to his pickup with his son Gabriel, 10. Tattoos covered Andrew's chest and arms. 'I love it. It's one big family here, Andrew said as puffed on a cigarette. Advertisement Bull rider Andrew Cox from Coventry, R.I., waits at the back of his pickup truck for the start of races in the New England Rodeo. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Walter Oliveira rides at the starting gate. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Gabriel Cox, 10, from Coventry, R.I., is helped off the ground after being thrown in the bucking bronco pony competition. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The sport is dangerous and unpredictable, and many riders wear protective vests and helmets with face masks. Rider Evan Groder, of Newmarket, N.H., said that he's been stepped on by a half-ton bull, and wearing a vest spared him from injury. There are moments of panic and chaos. When an angry bull sets its sights on a downed rider, bullfighters step to protect them. As a rider is thrown off, the brightly dressed fighters, some wearing patriotic attire, distract the bucking bulls. As the daylight turned to dusk, bright floodlights lit the arena as riders shot out of the gates, jerking and thrashing. The goal is to stay on the bull for eight seconds, and both the riders and bulls receive points on control and performance. Many riders meet their fate with a face full of dirt and a kick in the behind. Novice rider Augusto Vieira, wearing a hockey helmet with a wire face guard and two large cross necklaces, clung tightly to the braided bull rope. He successfully rode the bull for one of the longest times of the competition. He dismounted but hit the ground hard, gracefully tumbling away from the bull's powerful kicks. Logan Paquin, 8, from Marion, looks through the fence. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff A rider speeds across the arena holding an American flag during the opening ceremony. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff every other Saturday at 5 p.m. through the end of September .
