Carbondale’s Wild West Rodeo is the real deal. Every week, this homegrown rodeo draws some of the best competitors from the Western Slope for events like bull riding and barrel racing. It also draws hordes of rodeo fans; in fact, up to 500 spectators pass through the gates on any given Thursday night for a little family fun. All of which photographer Mark Fox captured during a recent night spent at the rodeo.

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo series continues every Thursday night at the Gus Darien Arena, on County Road 100. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., slack starts at 6:30, and the grand entry starts at 7:30. Admission is $8 per person or $25 a truckload. Kids 10 and under are free.For more photos see the Aug. 20 edition of the Aspen Times Weekly.