Baca Rodeo Series Easter tradition continues

BOSQUE FARMS — The four weekends of the Baca Rodeo Series, billed as the longest rodeo series in the country, concluded Easter Sunday at Bosque Farms Rodeo Association Arena.

Rodeo fans and competitors had to deal with difficult weather conditions at times during the month-long series.

“It was pretty miserable (Saturday)” with the heavy rain, said Belen breakaway roper Savannah Graham.

However, the love of the sport can be overpowering.

“We still come out, rain, snow or shine,” she said.

Easter Sunday was all sunshine, drawing spectators out on a holiday, including Aundrea Vigil of Albuquerque. Vigil brought plenty of snacks for her children, nieces and nephews. “We wanted to bring the kids out to enjoy the rodeo, the horses...and try to catch bunnies.”

The children were entertained by various games and competitions, including a chance to bring home a rabbit.

Graham experienced the Baca Rodeo as a child, when it was in Belen, and as an adult roper. “Easter Sunday at the Baca Rodeo is just tradition at this point,” explained Graham.

“Growing up, it was chasing all the little barnyard animals, taking a bunny home or whatever might get caught. And now, competing is a lot of fun.”

This was the 46th year of the Baca Rodeo, held for a second year in Bosque Farms.