More than 50 teams of natural gas workers are competing at the National Gas Rodeo at Turfway Park in Florence on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18. Local Duke Energy crews are among the competitors.

The two-person and four-person teams face off in hands-on challenges at the Turfway Park grounds, 7500 Turfway Road. Competitors cut through six-inch steel pipes, dig through sand and gravel, simulate gas service line installations and operate excavators and backhoes in precision tasks.

Qualifying events began at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. A final qualifying round, relay and awards ceremony are set for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The MEA Energy Association, which organizes the rodeo, also held the event at Turfway Park in September 2025.

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