On Friday and Saturday, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is coming to the Mississippi Horse Park. Hosted by the Starkville Rotary Club, this event is the club’s largest fundraiser each year. The members strive to not only make it an exciting, edge-of-your-seat event, but also donate proceeds to help support local youth through the tuition guarantee program.
This two-day event has something for every member of the family. For the youngsters, there are pony rides and a petting zoo featuring chickens, calves, goats and rabbits. For the big kids, there are two go-rounds of bull riding each night, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding and team roping. There promises to be non-stop action for two hours, with “clowning around” in between. Gates open at 6 p.m.; rodeo action begins at 7 p.m.
Friday night is Kids’ Night. Kids 12 and under get in free, thanks to sponsors Mississippi Farm Bureau, Tractor Supply, Mitchell Dodge, Southern Ionic, Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Clark Beverage Group.
“Our sponsors have been dedicated over the years in supporting this event. We honestly appreciate their continued contributions especially in today’s economy,” says Zach Rowland, Rotary Classic Rodeo Chairman.
On Saturday night, things kick off at 5 p.m., with pony rides and a petting zoo located on the arena floor. This will last until 6:45 p.m. and is free with a general admission ticket to the rodeo for that night. The rodeo action begins at 7 p.m.
“Come expecting the best shows since the cowboys and cowgirls that will be contending are striving to qualify to compete in Las Vegas later this year,” explains Bricklee Miller, facility director of the Horse Park. “We want people to realize that this is a great family event, but these contestants are pros. It is awesome to get this kind of grand scale event right here in Oktibbeha County.”
Concessions will be available both nights of the rodeo. The Rotarians will be working the concession stand to raise more money for the cause. Merchandise vendors will also be on the concourse.
Discounted advance tickets are on sale now at Mitchell Dodge in West Point, The Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Powerstroke Equipment, and Tractor Supply in Starkville. Advance tickets can be purchased for $12 for adults; kids 12 and under need a ticket for Saturday only, for $5. Tickets at the Horse Park on the nights of the event will be $15.
For continued updates, follow the Mississippi Horse Park on facebook: MS Horse Park. Or call the event line at 662-325-0508
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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