57th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks

A sure sign of summer, the 57th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks takes place
nightly at 8 p.m. July 1 though 4 in Springdale.

Over 500 contestants and professional athletes will compete in six
pro-rodeo sanctioned events - calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel
racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and the popular bull
riding.

Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. and preliminary events begin at 7 p.m.
Junior competition for ages 18 and under include pole bending, barrel
racing, calf roping and team roping.

Another preliminary event, "Mutton Bustin,"  gives children ages 4
through 6 the opportunity to ride sheep. These young competitors will
hold on for dear life as they compete for first, second and third
prizes each night.

On July 1 and July 3, 15 participants ages 10 to 12 will compete in
the calf scramble. The competitors will be placed in the center of the
arena and several small calves will be let loose. The first child to
catch and drag his or her calf across the finish line will win $100.
Second place prize is $50.

July 2 is children's night with children ages 12 and under admitted
for half price for bleacher seating. The Harp's Food Stores'
Stickhorse Grand entry will also be on July 2.

Also performing during the rodeo will be John Payne, the One Arm
Bandit. Following an almost fatal electrical accident, the One Arm
Bandit has climbed back on his horse to become one of the most popular
rodeo entertainers in the business. He has won the Professional Rodeo
Cowboy Association's Specialty Act of the Year on five different
occasions.

The Rodeo of the Ozarks originated in 1944 as the idea of a group of
Springdale men and women led by founder "Shorty" Parsons. World War II
was at its height. Entertainment and relief from the unrelenting
headlines was needed; hence, the rodeo was born. Now more than 50
years later, at the same site and on the same days, the Rodeo of the
Ozarks will be presented again.

For ticket information, call (501) 927-4530 or 1-877-927-6336.
Admission ranges from $6 to $18. The rodeo is held at Parsons Stadium
on AR 265 in Springdale.

Source: "Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"