Rodeo brings Wild West feel to the DuPage County Fair

DuPage County got a taste of the Wild West during two rodeos Saturday at the DuPage County Fair.

Crowds in the Grandstand Arena oohed and ahh-ed as cowboys and cowgirls took turns riding bucking bulls and horses for eight seconds each. There were gasps when the riders took a spill in the dirt and cheers as others held on tight.

Rodeo clowns provided entertainment for audiences and kept the rodeo safe for the riders, who were competing for prize money and a chance to participate in a national competition.

The shows were presented by Latting Rodeo Productions of St. Anne, Illinois, a group that has been traveling throughout the Midwest all summer to perform at county fairs and rodeos. Their next step is the Kankakee County Fair on Aug. 6.