Rodeo of the Ozarks returns with rich tradition

Sam Williams gets his grip on a steer after leaping off his horse Tuesday during the go-round in the Steer Wrestling event at the Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale.
Sam Williams gets his grip on a steer after leaping off his horse Tuesday during the go-round in the Steer Wrestling event at the Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale.

SPRINGDALE — Not much has changed in the 71 years of the Rodeo of the Ozarks.

There are still bucking horses and bulls and cowboys trying to hang on for eight seconds. Cowboys are still roping calves and dogging steers.

71st Rodeo Of The Ozarks

When: Today-Saturday

Where: Parsons Stadium, Springdale

Tickets: $7-$38; $7 for children ages 2-12

Information: 877-927-6336; www.rodeooftheozark…

Nightly Schedule

6 p.m.: Gates open

6:30 p.m.: Mutton Bustin’

7:30 p.m.: Rodeo

But there will be a few new additions this year which should also add to the entertainment value as the annual rodeo starts tonight in Parsons Stadium.

“It’s going to be a lot of same traditions we’ve had had throughout the years,” Rodeo of the Ozarks executive director Rick Culver said. “We also have a flag girls act that is new this year that we haven’t had in many years and that will be a big new act.”

The Sky High Angels, a fast-paced flag team featured at rodeos throughout the country, is the added feature entertainment act sure to put on a big show. Along with the new entertainment and other traditional acts such as rodeo clowns Cody Sosebee and Lecile Harris, the Rodeo of the Ozarks will again provide a big week for all ages.

The rodeo, which begins today and runs through Saturday night, begins with the first of two parades at 3 p.m. today. Gates open each night at 6 p.m., with the children’s Mutton Bustin’ opening the night at 6:30 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. Rodeo grand entrance.

“The Mutton Bustin’ keeps growing and growing,” Culver said. “We’ve got 30 to 35 kids per night signed up to participate.”

Another growing attraction, Culver said, is the slack performance. With too many rodeo participants to fill into the nightly window, the contestants in each rodeo division also compete in the slack, which begins each night at 5 p.m. and is free to the public.

“We’re seeing a lot more of the public come out and watch the slack,” Culver said. “And it’s free, so a lot of people are coming out to see this.”

The Rodeo of the Ozarks will conclude Saturday with a traditional fireworks show and the crowning of the Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks. Tickets to the rodeo are available at the Rodeo of the Ozarks office at Parsons Stadium, by calling the ticket office at 756-0464 or online at rodeooftheozarks.org.

“This is a great time of the year,” Culver said. “And this is going to be a great rodeo.”

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