2015 Georgia National Rodeo kicks off in Perry

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia get ready to grab your cowboy boots, the 2015 Georgia National Rodeo is in Perry. 

Lickity Split is taking a breather. The miniature horse and his trainer, Justin, are putting the finishing touches on their routine….and Lickity is a crowd pleaser. 

Rodeo professionals from all across the country are in Perry this weekend for the rodeo. 

“I see thousands of them a year. It’s crazy how many I see, but I remember most of them. Most of them, if I see them, I can remember them,” one rider said. 

If you love livestock, this is the place for you. 

You can get as close as the animals will let you.

“I grew up with rodeo. I was always wanting to be a cowboy and bull riders were the coolest things so I just kind of fell into fighting bulls and that led me into clowning,” another rider said. 

John Barnes, the rodeo’s coordinator, says riding, roping, and wrangling animals is something he was born doing. 

“It’s in your blood. My father started in 1950, I was born in 1962. It’s the only life I’ve ever known,” Barnes said. 

There’s everything you’d expect….the sights, the sounds, the smells. 

“I just sit in a barrel. So it’s not too bad,” one man said.

….and of course the cowboy hats. 

“We have people from all over the United States here to be part of this rodeo. 300 contestants, 24 states, and four countries are represented here,” Barnes said. 

Tickets range between $11 and $22 through the weekend. 

For more information click here.