Were you at the 46th Annual Pembroke Rodeo? Take a look at some highlights from this beloved Pembroke tradition.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Pembroke Rodeo and Picnic returned to Pembroke Township for another unforgettable event with thrills, spills, and fun for the entire family. Now in its 46th year, its creator, Latting Rodeo Productions, welcomed a sold-out crowd for the two-day event. The history of the Black cowboy in America was honored dating back to the Buffalo Soldiers who fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. Participants were entertained by cowboys and cowgirls from across the country. Sixty-five contestants registered to compete in steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel races, flag races, and bull riding. There were even pony rides for the kids.

The rodeo, one of the largest African American traveling rodeos in the country, was founded by Thyrl Latting and found an early home at the International Amphitheater in Chicago before moving to Pembroke Township. His son, Michael Latting, carries on the tradition.

For locals, the Pembroke Rodeo is a source of pride and a much-anticipated annual outing, with several donning “This isn’t my first rodeo” T-shirts.

“Bring your 80-year-old mother-in-law, your grandmother or your children out here, everybody’s going to have a good time,” Latting said.