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Case Hayes, 11, prepares to ride his horse named Hot Sauce in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. “I’ve been riding since I could walk,” Hayes said. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

As you step into the Clermont Rodeo, you can hear the sound of horses’ hooves trotting against the dirt, cows mooing in the distance and children screeching with joy as they practice lassoing.

When the national anthem starts to play, cowboy hats are removed from folks’ heads and placed over their hearts.

Loudspeakers squelch as an announcer introduces various acts. Audience members “ooh” and “ah” as competitors tie calves, navigate barrels and ride bulls.

Photojournalist Brett Phelps captured the moments Sept. 20 during the 70th Clermont Rodeo.

Raul Rodriquez (second from left) talks with other rodeo hands before the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Rodeo participants laugh while singing the national anthem during the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Attendees watch as rodeo participants compete in steer wrestling during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.

Dorian Autman catches a calf in the steer wrestling contest during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.

Sara Dusek mounts her horse at the childrens play and pet area at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. During the rodeo, Dusek gave rides to children on her horse. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Lucy Jackson sits atop her horse before riding in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Pistol McCoy, 4 (left), and Grady Cole, 5, play while McCoy’s mother prepares to participate in the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Rodeo participants gather before riding together in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Matthew East chases a calf in the tie-down roping contest during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Case Hayes, 11, practices lassoing before the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Jackson Coleman puts on his helmet before competing in the bull riding competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.

Audience members cheer on contestants pulled from the crowd during a dance competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.

Kole Minor, a trick roper and whip cracker, performs a fiery set during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Jackson Coleman competes in the bull riding competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Cruze Norris, 9, packs his equipment away after competing in the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Audience members watch as the team roping competition starts during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. Credit: Brett Phelps/Mirror Indy/CatchLight Local/Report for America

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Brett Phelps is a community photojournalist for Mirror Indy in partnership with Report for America and Catchlight Local. Contact Brett by email brett.phelps@mirrorindy.org.

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A community classic: See photos of Clermont Rodeo’s 70th year

by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
September 24, 2025

<h1>A community classic: See photos of Clermont Rodeo’s 70th year</h1>
<p class="byline">by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy <br />September 24, 2025</p>
<br />
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_05-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62578" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Case Hayes, 11, prepares to ride his horse named Hot Sauce in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. "I've been riding since I could walk," Hayes said.</figcaption></figure>
<p>As you step into the Clermont Rodeo, you can hear the sound of horses’ hooves trotting against the dirt, cows mooing in the distance and children screeching with joy as they practice lassoing.</p>
<p>When the national anthem starts to play, cowboy hats are removed from folks’ heads and placed over their hearts.</p>
<p>Loudspeakers squelch as an announcer introduces various acts. Audience members "ooh" and "ah" as competitors tie calves, navigate barrels and ride bulls.</p>
<p>Photojournalist Brett Phelps captured the moments Sept. 20 during the 70th Clermont Rodeo.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_04-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62577" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raul Rodriquez (second from left) talks with other rodeo hands before the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_06-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62579" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rodeo participants laugh while singing the national anthem during the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<div class="wp-block-columns alignfull">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_08-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62598" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Attendees watch as rodeo participants compete in steer wrestling during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
</p></div>
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_07-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62599" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dorian Autman catches a calf in the steer wrestling contest during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
</p></div>
</p></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_01-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62572" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sara Dusek mounts her horse at the childrens play and pet area at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park. During the rodeo, Dusek gave rides to children on her horse.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_15-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62574" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucy Jackson sits atop her horse before riding in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_14-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62573" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pistol McCoy, 4 (left), and Grady Cole, 5, play while McCoy's mother prepares to participate in the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_03-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62576" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rodeo participants gather before riding together in the opening act of the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_16-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62582" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Matthew East chases a calf in the tie-down roping contest during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<div class="wp-block-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_02-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62575" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Case Hayes, 11, practices lassoing before the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
</p></div>
</p></div>
<div class="wp-block-columns alignfull">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_11-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62602" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jackson Coleman puts on his helmet before competing in the bull riding competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
</p></div>
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_10-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62603" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members cheer on contestants pulled from the crowd during a dance competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
</p></div>
</p></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_17-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62585" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kole Minor, a trick roper and whip cracker, performs a fiery set during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_12-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62587" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jackson Coleman competes in the bull riding competition at the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_13-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62588" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cruze Norris, 9, packs his equipment away after competing in the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-full"><img src="https://mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20250920_CLERMONT-RODEO_BP_09-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62583" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audience members watch as the team roping competition starts during the 70th Annual Clermont Rodeo on Sept. 20, 2025, at Clermont Lions Club Park.</figcaption></figure>
<p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org/clermont-indiana-rodeo-photos-2025/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://mirrorindy.org&quot;&gt;Mirror Indy&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/&quot;&gt;Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;img src=&quot;https://i0.wp.com/mirrorindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-Mirror-Indy-square-logo-1.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;amp;ssl=1&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;</p>
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