Monitor Photo/Di Johnson
Team ropers compete for their chance to win the prize money at the 68th annual Mabank Rodeo June 23.

MABANK–The Mabank Volunteer Fire Department hosted the 68th Annual Mabank Rodeo and Western Week June 19-24. Riders and ropers came in from as far away as Arizona to be a part of the Mabank Rodeo, many of which had competed and fared very well in national competitions. The two-day family event captivated viewers, both local and visiting.
The rodeo was sanctioned by the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association and included barrel racing, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding and bull riding.
According to results released by UPRA, winners in each event were as follows: Josh Hudson in bareback bronc riding, Charlie Sohrt in barrel racing, McKenzie Mays in breakaway roping, Jacob Carige in bull riding, Brodey Clemons in calf roping, Coy Hebert in saddle bronc riding, Kevin Carmon in steer wrestling and the team of Cody Russell and Blake Bentley in team roping. Combined winnings from just the first-place finishers totaled over $7,000.