01 弘扬西部传统的俄克拉荷马牛仔竞技比赛 Oklahoma Rodeo Celebrates Western Traditions

Rodeos are hugely popular sport events in the Western states of America, where horseback riding, livestock animals and fancy rope skills are featured.

Thousands of cowboys and cowgirls compete to see who has the best rodeo skills.

They celebrate the cowboy traditions and culture that is rooted in the West.

Rodeos are also big business for those states.

Many of the participants are from families who have been in the industry for several generations.

The competitions bring in about $250 million dollars of revenue each year.

VOA Learning English recently attended a rodeo in Oklahoma.

The Elk City Rodeo of Champions began entertaining crowds 77 years ago.

The three-day event is the third-largest rodeo in the state.

About 14,000 people attend each September. About 300 people compete in the events. ​