Bulls and Barrels of Fire Rodeo Ignites the Night at the Ashland County Fairgrounds
ASHLAND — The Ashland County Fairgrounds were alive with cheers, dust, and adrenaline Saturday night as the Bulls and Barrels of Fire Rodeo roared into town, delivering an electrifying evening of family fun and fierce competition.
From the moment the gates opened, fans packed the grandstands, ready for a night of high-energy action and hometown spirit. The excitement kicked off with the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’, where pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls clung tight to woolly rockets, earning roaring applause from the crowd with every daring ride.
Then came the main events — heart-pounding bull riding and lightning-fast barrel racing — showcasing the grit, skill, and courage that define rodeo culture. The Polk Firefighters Association Rodeo Committee once again pulled off a night to remember.
Justin Spencer, Rodeo Committee Chairman, said the event is more than just entertainment — it’s a community effort with heart:
“The Polk Firefighters Association is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates in a business-like manner to support its members, both active and lifetime. This rodeo is one of the ways we bring the community together while supporting the people who serve it.”
The Bull Riding Championship, presented by Bears Towing and Repair of Burbank, saw tough competition before Cody McCandless of Derry, Pennsylvania, emerged victorious. McCandless took home the coveted championship buckle sponsored by SF Longhorns of West Salem, earning cheers from fans who could feel the intensity with every buck and spin.
In the Barrel Racing Championship, presented by World Truck Towing and Recovery of Seville, speed and precision ruled the arena. Janet Kerr of Rogers, Ohio, blazed through the barrels with flawless form to secure the top spot — and a matching championship buckle sponsored by SF Longhorns.
As the lights glowed against the dust-filled night air, it was clear — the Bulls and Barrels of Fire Rodeo once again delivered a spectacular night of thrills, spills, and small-town pride, proving that Ashland County knows how to put on one heck of a show.
