There were horses, hooves, cows and bucking at the 31st annual Lawrence Rodeo on Saturday - and even a stag amidst the 1100-strong crowd.
The sun shone on the rural event, brightening up the day for many who dreaded the sky would turn leaden as it had all week.
Lawrence Rodeo Club publicity officer Murray Hellewell said the ‘‘country come to town'' event was an opportunity to dig back into the town's rural background.
Many were entertained by the classic cowboy sports but some were there for more than just a fun day out. Fencer Craig Sinclair, of Glenomaru, near Owaka, took to the rodeo event to celebrate his stag party with about 20 close friends and family.
Mr Sinclair will be walking down the aisle with fiance Georgia Grant next month.
The ‘‘undie run'' at noon became a family affair as Mr Sinclair took part alongside younger brothers Grant and Matthew and cousin Russell White.
The run, in which competitors ran around the rodeo arena and battled an obstacle course, had a cash pool prize of $1000.
Grant and Matthew came second and third respectively and took away $250 between them.
Alec Gunn took the winning title in the undie run.
There were also the usual rodeo and cowboy events, such as barrel racing, bull riding and bareback riding throughout the day.
Mr Hellewell was rapt with the event and said the sun made the whole day ‘‘beautiful''.
Lawrence Rodeo Club secretary Alana Nicholl said the day was much easier to run with the volunteer help.
Thankfully, the weather turned around after a dismal week, she said.
