Horses and rodeo contestants alike are chomping at the bit for the 57th annual Lometa FFA Rodeo which kicked off Thursday night at Lometa Regional Park. Events run through Saturday.

The rodeo, which has become a tradition for area cowgirls, cowboys and rodeo fans, will sport some changes this year, according to Lometa FFA adviser Brad Barnett.

Age groups include 9-12, 13- 15 and 16-19 with barrels, poles, flags, goat tying and three roping events for all age groups.

According to Barnett, a new event that has become a fan favorite at many youth rodeos will also be added to Lometa's line-up this year. Open ranch bronc riding will be offered. It is a riding event open to older riders that allows local cowboys to come have fun too, said the FFA adviser. "It's something a little different that's not just for kids."

While Barnett and FFA members have added some new aspects to the rodeo, they also have kept crowd-pleasing events such as free mutton bustin' for those 6 and under.

The return of an old favorite also is being heralded: the rodeo parade. "It's been a long time since we have had a rodeo parade, and the kids are excited about the opportunity to bring it back for Lometa," Barnett said.

Organized by local realtor and Lometa native Terri Harris, the parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in downtown Lometa.

An FFA benefit barbecue will follow at the regional park. Entertainment will include guitar players and a fishing booth until rodeo time.

Regina Green will open books nightly at 6:30 p.m., with books closing at 7:30 p.m.

All-around high-point buckles will be presented to the top cowboy and cowgirl in each age division.

Rodeo admission is $3 per person.

Coming on the heels of the State FFA Convention, the rodeo serves as the primary fund-raising source for the Lometa chapter, which boasts a state champion, scholarship winners and national agriscience qualifiers.