Since last March, teams have been competing in a Ranch Rodeo Series sponsored by 5D Ranch Rodeo arena in Zachary behind the 5D Western Store. The DeLee family of Zachary owns, operates and competes in the series.

Held Spring thru Fall one weekend per month for the past three years, the rodeos are comprised of three divisions: Open, Women and Youth. Competitors are judged on events such as Branding, Wild Cow Milking, Doctoring, Penning, Trailer Loading, Mugging and Pasture Roping. "The events vary each rodeo but are derived from tasks done on a working farm," explains David DeLee. "This is a family sport that is continuously growing, and anyone who loves to rope and ride is eligible to compete."

He said with each month's rodeo, the number of contestants grows, as does the number of fans who show up to be entertained.

The Youth division provides a unique opportunity for parents and kids to be on a team and compete together. "5D Ranch Rodeo is a great way for families to spend quality time together doing what they love," said DeLee, who competes, as does his wife, Meredith.

Participants from throughout the state have been competing since spring, and on Nov. 3, they all converged in the 5D arena to compete one last time.

The top-three teams in the Open division plus the overall Youth and Women's teams were awarded.

Sponsors of the 5D Ranch Rodeo series include Tony's Seafood, Henderson Auction, Farm Bureau, America Sales Corp., Bourg Insurance, Amite Stockyard, Cactus Ropes, Byron Gautreaux and 5D Western Store, 20870 Plank Rd. in Zachary. Call 658-8015 for store information or to find out about the 5D Ranch Rodeo series.

Visit the Photo Galleries section at the top of the page for exciting photos from the 5d Ranch Rodeo on Nov. 3.