Rodeo bound: Covered wagons travel through Crestview

CRESTVIEW — An unusual sight greeted drivers on East Highway 90 Saturday to Monday in Crestview.

A wagon train of about nine wagons and 11 riders were traveling through the area as they headed to the 2018 Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo in Bonifay. There, they will be part of a parade and the rodeo's opening festivitites.

The participants include residents of Crestview (Chuck and Hilda Arnold); Gulfport, Mississippi; and Alabama.

One couple said they have participated in wagon parades for several years, and it only takes them a day to prepare.

"You have to keep everything going all year long," the man said. They were also able to share the activity with their grandchildren that past weekend, before the kids returned to school Monday.

One participant, Donnie Wall, of Montgomery, Alabama, said this was only his second time participating. He'd been in one ride years and years ago. A friend of his who is regularly involved invited him to take part this year.

The Bonifay rodeo takes place oct. 4 to 6 at Memorial Field sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bonifay.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rodeo bound: Covered wagons travel through Crestview