Several hundred electrical line workers from across the country were in Omaha Saturday for the 10th annual Line Workers Rodeo.

What would we do without electricity? We depend on it and when the lights go out it takes more than just a quick flip of the switch to get it back on.

This was an event played about 30 feet above ground. "After awhile you don't think abut it, just part of the job,” said Charles Steelman from Indiana.

Greg Wood, Mark Throndson and Steve Hedden made the trip to Levi Carter Park from Wisconsin. “It's tough ‘cause we're old. We do it for the love of line work. There’s a lot of young guys that are out here, they're like we used to be, we still love to do line work so we still get out here and do this.”

Bill Cornell came with his team from Michigan. "Compete, camaraderie with other guys. It's great to see different guys I have met over the years.”

It may not be their first rodeo, but it was for OPPD’s David Tonges. "It's a little nerve-racking. I have never done one before, so it's interesting.”

While the events looked like fun, they simulated real-life scenarios that can be lifesaving situations. "This is the pole top rescue,” said Steelman. “I have to be able to ascend up the pole and get him down in a safe manner and a quick manner.”

Amy Wilkey of Omaha came to watch her boyfriend and said she now has a greater appreciation for what line workers do. "Especially in snowstorms, you know it's dangerous work to get up there and the streets are bad and then there's crazy drivers out there that can slam into poles.”

Whether it's in competition or in the field, those participating couldn't have more respect for the ones working beside them. "A lineman can't work by himself, it's a team, it's a team effort to get this done,” said Hedden.

The event was sponsored by the American Power Association and hosted by OPPD.