Hundreds gathered at Ogden’s Pioneer Stadium Monday evening to witness the culture of rodeo that kicked off the July 24 week.

Standard Examiner’s Rodeo Family Night provided discounted tickets to attendees as they witnessed the Miss Rodeo Utah Horseman Competition, the Junior Posse and other rodeo traditions.

The arena showcased local talent from a children’s coloring contest to goat roping and mutton busting. With a variety of entertainment, including skydivers, the rodeo proved to be family friendly event.

Patti Pinkston, her husband Patrick and their three children—Preston, 13, Olivia, 11 and Pierce, 2—were vacationing in Ogden from Missouri, when they decided to attend. Although Patti had gone to a rodeo before, the rest of her family had yet to experience it.

“We’re super excited,” Patti said. “It’s a great way to get out together and have a great time.”

Other attendees had been a part of the event since childhood. 1988 Utah Rodeo Queen, Chantel Taylor, said her two daughters—Alyssa Adair, 14 and Chantana Adair, 20—were riding horses since they were seven.

“It keeps us together because it’s something to do as a family,” Taylor said. Alyssa is currently the 1st Princess of the Rodeo, while Weber State student, Chantana, is a Whoopie girl.

“I love that my mom got me involved,” said Alyssa, “I don’t know what I’d do without rodeo.”

Troy Sandberg and his wife Lori said they have been going to and participating in the rodeo since they were kids, and have passed the tradition on to their children and grandchildren. The many hours their family puts into rodeo unites them even more.

The rodeo “evolves the whole family, “ said Lori. “It takes the whole family to make it work.”