Leadership hosted its first-ever Rodeo on the Green during lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. The event featured a petting zoo and a diverse selection of food, drawing a large crowd of students eager to interact with the animals and eat burgers.
Wednesday started off with a petting zoo provided by Friendly Pony Parties, an animal farm in Half Moon Bay. With a variety of farm animals to pet—including two goats, one pig, chickens, ducks, and bunnies—many students joined in the adorable fun.
The students formed a long line in front of the petting zoo, excited to meet the animals. Small groups of people were allowed inside the pen to pet the animals for two minutes at a time.
When organizing the petting zoo, Leadership students searched through various companies willing to participate at reasonable prices. “[It] was really amazing to see, and I felt so accomplished because it was so much work that no one saw behind the scenes,” Leadership Rodeo committee lead and senior Taylor Bentley said.
“[The event] makes me feel super excited about life and just very optimistic because I got to pet a pig,” Leadership student and senior Isabelle Habibi said.
Outside of the gates, students brought out their phones to capture photos of the animals. “It’s more relaxing instead of just sitting at lunch doing nothing. We can come over here and see the animals, and they calm me down,” junior Isidora Chicurel said.
On the other side of the Green, the “Taco in a Bag” stand also drew high attendance. At the stand, taco ingredients, like beans and cheese, were added into chip bags and then eaten. The atypical tacos sold out within the first 10 minutes of lunch, with only Rice Krispies treats remaining for sale.
On Thursday, the rodeo was food-oriented. Students purchased tickets for burgers or snow cones. The offerings were uniquely customizable. Students could select from a variety of delicious flavors for their snow cones and add their own condiments to the burgers.
The turnout on the second day proved to be equally strong, with long lines of students waiting for their chance to enjoy burgers. “I think it’s good to have stuff like this where the student body can do unique things and interact with each other,” junior Noah Tripp said. “It kind of gets everyone outside, and it’s a fun, chill event.”
The smiling faces, sunny skies, and cute, cuddly animals all contributed to the success of this lively event, allowing students to relax and have fun.
