This is the first year the Sussex Fire Department sponsored the rodeo.
AUGUSTA -- Hundreds came out Saturday to the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the first annual Sussex Fire Department rodeo.
Joylynn Leech, whose husband works for the fire department, helped organize this year's event.
"Rodeo is not that strong in the Northeast," said Leech, who is also a professional rodeo rider. "This helps keep it alive for us."
Leech helped bring the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association show to Sussex County five years ago with another sponsor and this year helped the Sussex Fire Department take over the event, which also featured a kid's rodeo, vendors and a pie-eating contest.
Previous years' events averaged between 2,500 to 3,000 spectators, according to Leech
Self-proclaimed lifelong Jersey cowboy, Michael Killion comes to the rodeo every year. The 70-year-old from Blairstown previously owned a farm and still works with horses.
"The northern part of the state has a lot more to offer for cowboys," Killion said as he waited for the show to start with his dog.
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