Bakersfield College hosted their second annual NIRA Bakersfield College Rodeo at the Kern County Fairgrounds this past weekend on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The BC rodeo team welcomed schools from all over California and their Rodeo team to showcase their skills in this thrilling two-day event. The BC Rodeo featured many events such as bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, bareback riding, and more. This event featured many vendors for the rodeo merchandise, food, and plenty of drinks.

The stands filled with eager people to watch the rodeo from all over the state. The rodeo had a VIP section which had many sponsors in attendance along with local cattlemen, farmers and locals alike to get a firsthand look of this exciting event.

There were many big sponsors such as Haddad Dodge, Ram, and Kia. There were many local sponsors who also helped support the BC Rodeo. One sponsor in particular, Strata Credit Union, had their marketing officer, Nicolas Caver, present. Also, a BC Alumni, he stated, “What made the evening truly heartwarming was the overwhelming sense of community”.

The event not only featured the rodeo, but it was followed by a Veterans Tribute and a concert

featured by country music artist, Joe Peters, in honor of Veterans Day on Nov.11.​​ Several Veteran organizations were present such as the Kern County Honor Flight.

Guy Anderson, a BC student, Army Veteran, and Honor Flight recipient, said he was honored to be a part of that. He stated that in order for these organizations to stay alive, it’s important to show that there are many veterans here from other wars, and not just the Vietnam war that everyone recognizes.

Many times, people don’t know Veterans can mean someone who in their 20s, 30s, and so on, who have deployed in combat zones and are considered veterans as well.

Overall, the BC Rodeo was a success in bringing one another together and a beautiful tribute to Veterans.