For the past two years, the Future Farmers Association (FFA) alumni of Pell City hosted the Bulls on the Lake. Saturday, July 21 was the  4^th annual event at Lakeside Park in Pell City.  

This was my first time ever experiencing a rodeo.

The event was sponsored by Talladega Tractor and  hosted by the FFA Alumni of Pell City.  Over 1700 tickets were sold over the two-day event and approximately 200 sponsor tickets were given away.

As the sun went down, everyone took their seats.

The 12 bull riders had to stay on their bull for eight solid seconds to advance. When the gate opened, the bull would incessantly buck, throwing off some of the toughest contestants in premier bull riding.

It was a good thing the cowboys wore protective gear.  The chest plate and helmet they had prevented them from severe injuries. However, one bull rider landed on his head, another on his back. Some were inches away from being stepped on.

The bulls never went inside their pens willingly. Instead they would run loosely in the arena, trying to head-butt the helpers, forcing them to jump over the rails to find refuge.  The horsemen inside the arena were masters at hooking the bulls with their ropes and guiding them back to their gates.

Two of the 12 contestants were from Alabama. Josh Moore, from Oneonta is 24 and started bullriding professionally at 18.  To him, bull riding is the most exciting and challenging thing a man can do. He said he started riding bulls by age 11.

The kids had a great time especially; the boys dressed up like cowboys and spent a great of time on the electronic bull machine.

Hayden Burdick was the only contestant to ride all weekend. He won with 85 points and received $1500.

Proceeds from the event raise money for the FFA, and they plan to continue the tradition.