Get Ready to Rodeo!

It’s almost time to gear up for Sallisaw’s annual rodeo!

The 73rd Annual Lions Club Rodeo will be held Aug. 4, 5 and 6 at the Sallisaw Rodeo Arena.

The cowboys will be signing up tomorrow (July 27) for the events. To enter call 1-800-639-9002, said Marley Abell, chair of the Lions Club rodeo committee. Contestants will be competing for $11,000 in added money.

The events include bareback bronc riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, cowgirls breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping and tie down roping. The events are sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) and the American Cowboys Rodeo Association. Local cowboys who want to compete do not have to be members of the IPRA but do have to pay entry fees.

The rodeo entertainment includes several other acts, such as the clown act of course, and, this year, the 22 performers known as the Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders drill team who will be riding and performing every night.

There’s nothing more entertaining that the mutton bustin’, for kids ages 4 through 8, and who weigh under 60 pounds. County Clerk Julie Haywood sponsors the mutton busting and the entry fee is $15. Each night’s winner gets $25 and a grand champion plaque, Abell said.

The youngsters under age 12 may also compete in the calf scramble. Entry fee for this event, sponsored by Dr. Aubrey Henshaw, is free. Abell explained, “We turn eight calves loose with ribbons tied on, and every ribbon is worth $5.”

Those courageous adults age 18 and up may compete in the wild horse race. Clean Line Energy Partners sponsors this event. The event is free for the three-man teams, and the winners get $150, if there is a winner, Abell warned.

Everyone is invited to participate in the annual rodeo parade on Thursday (Aug. 4). Parade line-up is at 5 p.m. and the parade takes off at 5:30 p.m.

Rodeo dances will be held Friday and Saturday nights after the rodeo. Admission is free with a paid rodeo admission. Friday evening will feature Libby Starks and Bandit. Saturday’s dance features Crossroads.

Admission to the rodeo is $7 for adults and $5 for kids age 6 to 10. Kids 5 and under will be admitted free.

The Sallisaw Lions Club uses the proceeds from the rodeo for many community projects. Abell said the Lions hope to help with the financing for the new walking trail at the Sallisaw Sports Complex. The proceeds have been used to purchase eye glasses for those in need, help build and maintain the walking trail at the park on McGee Drive, were used to provide winter coats through Catholic Charities, were used to purchase Christmas gifts and a Christmas party for children in foster care, and helped pay the way for the youth attending Boys and Girls State programs.

Abell said, “100 percent of the proceeds are used to help in our community.”

For information about the rodeo, contact Abell at 918-774-5497.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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