The best bus drivers in the state of Virginia converged on Roanoke Tuesday for the 26th Annual School Bus Rodeo.

Maneuvering their buses through cones, between tennis balls and against street curbs, the 43 rodeo participants were judged on their performance in nine events. The events, which range from parallel parking to railroad crossings, are designed to mimic a bus driver's daily responsibilities.

The competitors first had to win local and regional bus rodeos before qualifying for the state-level competition, which took place in the parking lot of Northside High School.

Sharon Utley, chairperson for the Virginia Association of Pupil Transportation rodeo, said the event's turnout was low this year due to economic conditions.

"Normally we have anywhere from 75-85 contestants," Utley said.

Roanoke sent three drivers to the event. In the transit bus category, Roanoke County bus driver Marie Pratt finished in fourth place. In the conventional bus category, Roanoke county driver Greg Lampert - who won the state event in 2006 - finished in fourth place. And in the special needs bus category, Roanoke City driver Karen Schoonover finished in second.