We all know and love it, and we call it rodeo--a time when we can come together, welcome out-of-towners, dress in inappropriate outfits, act more redneck than we are and enjoy a daylong drinking fest.
But everyone has some story that starts out with, "This one time at rodeo," and it probably doesn't end well. For this reason, we all should remember a few tips to stay safe and still have fun. Here are mine:
Hydrate:
Make sure to bring water. Everyone will be drinking plenty of alcohol throughout the day, but the more alcohol you take in, the more dehydrated you become. Try to keep a bottle of water with you and make a conscious effort to remember to drink it, perhaps between a pull of liquor or shot-gunning a beer. You'll feel better throughout the day, and your soon-to-be hangover won't be quite as bad.
Bring sunscreen and/or a hat:
Spending a full day out in the sun is hard on you in general. Add alcohol into the mix, and it only becomes that much harder. Put sunscreen on before, and bring some to re-apply throughout the day. A hat is also a good thing to wear to keep the sun off your face. Your hangover the next day will be bad enough, so there's no need to add a sunburn on top.
Eat:
It's a good idea to eat before arriving at rodeo. Drinking on an empty stomach is never good, especially in the hot sun. While food is sold at rodeo, it's often not the best food to mix with heavy drinking. A good tip is to bring snacks with you to eat throughout the day. Plus, you save some money.
Don't climb through barbed wire:
Speaking from experience, it's safe to say this will not end well for anyone. Even if you think you can fit through that small opening between the wires, you can't. It will scratch you, it will hurt and it will scar. Just don't do it.
Bring toilet paper/hand sanitizer for porta-potties:
Let's be honest--the porta-potties are gross, but there's nothing that can be done about that. What you can do, however, is come with the proper necessities to make the experience as clean and bearable as possible. It would be smart to bring toilet paper, because that will quickly run out. Additionally, a decision you won't regret is bringing hand sanitizer for afterward.
Pace yourself:
There is no need to rush yourself as far as drinking goes. You have the entire day to do that. While you may feel the need to funnel a beer at 9 a.m., just remember you have to last throughout the whole day in the blazing heat.
Watch out for coolers:
A tip passed on by multiple friends is to watch out for the coolers. Big coolers, small coolers--they're everywhere. If you aren't watching where you're walking, you could easily trip over one. And from one particular story passed on, falling backward over a cooler is not the best feeling in the world. Keep your eyes peeled.
Steer clear of the space between trailers:
Step in the wrong place at the wrong time while walking around the fraternity's trailers, and your leg can fall through the space where they back up to one another. It's embarrassing and it doesn't feel good. Bruising and scrapes are sure to ensue shortly after, so do yourself a favor and watch your step.
Think before riding the mechanical bull:
Just ask yourself, are you really in a state to ride it? If you absolutely feel the need to ride, be careful. Dizziness is a sure side effect, and the alcohol won't help with that.
Know who your ride home will be:
It's a good idea to know who you'll be catching a ride home with. Whether it's the person you rode with to rodeo or someone else, make sure that person is in an OK state to drive. If you're the one driving, make sure you've sobered up by the time you'll be getting behind the wheel. Just be smart about it.
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