Mud bath rodeo

Kale Francis of Nevada, above, tries unsuccessfully to get his calf down in the mud so he can get him tied, during the Vernon County Youth Fair Rodeo Thursday night. The rodeo, held at the Vernon County Youth Fairgrounds, will conclude tonight with the championship round and the crowning of the rodeo queen. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

At left, Clayton Cabot has a little trouble staying in the saddle during Thursday's saddle bronc competition at the Vernon County Youth Fair Rodeo. The rodeo concludes tonight with events scheduled to start at 8. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Gary Ewings of Miami, Olka., leaves the chute in pursuit of a calf in the calf-roping competition Thursday night at the Vernon County Youth Fair Rodeo. The rodeo continues tonight with the crowning of the rodeo queen and princess and awarding of the rodeo championships.

Gary Ewings of Miami, Okla.,continues his task as he slides his hands down the rope to reach his calf. Recent rainfall made the rodeo arena a virtual mud pit requiring some interesting