North Country Rider Photo Galleries

01. Like herding cats ... er, calves

Pickup riders had fun rounding up the herd in preparation for a kids roping event.

02. Royal entrance

Rodeo queens begin the flag line-up before the singing of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems.

04. Seeing stars

Bullfighter and rodeo clown kept the riders safe, the kids on target, and the crowd entertained.

05. Young roper

This young roper chases a frisky herd of calves in hopes of snaring a top prize.

06. Get ’em

Just slipping through, a calf eludes the skilled toss of a young roper.

07. Got ’em

After a vigorous chase, this young roping team lassoed an elusive calf.

08. Chew on this

Team ropers had varied success throughout an afternoon of rodeoing.

09. Hang on, cowboy

Bronc riding — both bareback and saddle — delivered thrills for the capacity crowd.

10. Riding it out

Bronc riding — both bareback and saddle — delivered thrills for the capacity crowd. Here, Levi Brotherton hangs on for a full ride.

11. Over easy

Bronc riding — both bareback and saddle — delivered thrills for the capacity crowd.

12. Making it look easy

Bronc riding — both bareback and saddle — delivered thrills for the capacity crowd. Omak champion Francis Marchand rode in both events.

13. Give 'em enough rope

Riding and roping fans packed the arena to watch the 2008 Chesaw Fourth of July Rodeo — but that was just the beginning. Rodeos and fairs are coming up all over North Central Washington in the coming weeks. Watch for the next edition of North Country Rider magazine for more.

Flying high

It’s rodeo time in North Central Washington — Chesaw’s Fourth of July rodeo was among the earliest, but plenty more are in the chute in the next few weeks. See the schedule in the story at right for the full list. (And click on the photos button above for more photos of the Chesaw event.)