BAY MINETTE — Hundreds filled the Carol Hodgsen Arena for both nights of the first-ever Future Farmers of America (FFA) rodeo for Baldwin County Public Schools.

Elberta and Fairhope High Schools' agriculture and FFA groups held the event Nov. 14 and 15 as a fundraiser for the classes involved.

Elberta High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Kelsey Hopper announced Nov. 17 that the rodeo will become an annual event.

"We kicked off strong on Friday night, worked through a few kinks and came back with an even bigger and better crowd on Saturday," she said. "We're beyond grateful for everyone who made this event possible — our incredible volunteers, our hardworking team and every single spectator who showed up with enthusiasm and support."

Each night, the event started off with an invocation, pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. Then all participating horse riders took off into the arena to present themselves to the audience before getting to their respective places for the competitions.

Riders faced varying challenges from holding on to a bucking horse for eight seconds to lassoing a calf as it's running away.

A rodeo clown helped the host of the event entertain the crowds between contests.

Even though totals of funds raised are still being counted as of press time, Hopper said the event was "absolutely worth" the time and effort put into planning.

Money raised through this event will go toward classroom projects, FFA competitions, travel expenses, agricultural literacy in elementary schools, field trips and community agriculture awareness initiatives.