VFW rodeo

Competitor Laramie Birdwell, 7, tightly holds onto the neck of a sheep as it sprints out of the starting gate for the First Mutton Bustin’ during the 73rd Annual VFW Rodeo at Veterans Park in Wimberley July 5-7. Daily Record photos by Denise Cathey

Lone Star Cowgirl Laura Bilke carries the American flag around the ring as the crowd sings the national anthem.