2001/10/11

Mid-South Fair Rodeo Remembered America And Brought Smiles by Kevin DeBusk Less than two weeks after the tragedy that struck the United States, the Mid-South Fair Rodeo brought smiles back to faces. Unlike traditional Harper and Morgan productions that offered flashy openings, with pyro's and big screens, this year's was simple. We had an opening about the horse and its history, announcer Mike Mathis told the crowd. But, in light of what happened we decided to change it. We decided to change it and remember those. He continued talking about America and our freedom. This led into a bone chilling entrance by the American flag and a salute to America through music. Mathis then took a moment of silence in honor of those lost and asked everyone to raise their voices in singing our national anthem. Patriotism was truly back, as voices echoed throughout the rafters like never before heard. From that point the crowd laughed and cheered as riders from across the country, Canada and Australia competed for their share of nearly $100,000. The crowds also enjoyed Collierville's own Lecile Harris and his pal Rudy clowning around, and top bullfighters.

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