Turner Morris would be the only one to tame the bulls in the afternoon, as he would last eight seconds. The Franklin County Fair Pro Rodeo thundered back into town for its first appearance since 2018, delivering a hard‑hitting afternoon of competition as the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo returned for its third edition. Sanctioned by the IPRA, every cowboy and cowgirl in the arena was chasing critical points toward a coveted trip to the World Finals in Oklahoma later this fall, raising the stakes for every ride, run, and throw. Bareback riding opened the show with three competitors battling the broncs. Two made the full eight seconds, but Tim Murphy’s powerful 77‑point ride stood above the rest to claim the event win. Team roping followed at the far end of the arena, with ten duos taking their shot at the clock. The drama came down to the final team out as Doug Casey and Michael Soule stopped the timers at 9.4 seconds to steal the victory. Saddle Bronc riding brought six competitors back to the chutes, each chasing points and payout. Jack Smithon delivered the winning ride with a score in the mid‑70s, edging out a tough field. Breakaway roping — one of rodeo’s fastest‑growing events — saw eleven ladies take aim at the win. Rebekah Legan set the tone early with a blistering 2.1‑second run, a number no one else could touch. Calf roping kept the momentum rolling with eleven cowboys in the draw. Once again, the final run of the afternoon proved decisive as Justin Thigpen laid down the best time to secure the event. Steer wrestling brought eight bulldoggers into the arena, but the steers had the upper hand. Only one cowboy managed to get his steer to the dirt — Corey Webb — earning the win through sheer determination. The ladies’ barrel racing was scheduled to close the afternoon, but unfavorable arena conditions forced its cancellation. That left bull riding as the final showdown. Four cowboys climbed down onto the bulls, each hoping to conquer eight seconds of chaos. Only Turner Morris made the horn sound, claiming the win as the crowd erupted. Fans left the grandstands buzzing, hopeful that the Franklin County Fair won’t wait another eight years before bringing the Pro Rodeo back for its fourth edition. Gallery