My grand entry to the Rodeo of the Ozarks came exactly 30 years ago this summer. I was an intern reporter at what was then The Springdale News in the blue brick building on Emma Avenue -- which originally housed the Jones Truck Lines terminal and now holds office space for Tyson Foods.
The city celebrated Western Days in advance of the rodeo. Folks working in offices, bank and shops along Emma would dress western, decorate their departments and perform skits for judges who visited each office. I was the rodeo queen -- I still have my pipe cleaner crown adorned with gold glitter on my bulletin board in this newspaper office -- and for some reason, I was tied to railroad tracks. To end the skit, "My Hero," reporter Dan O'Mara, was supposed to untie me and carry me off. Great! Until he carried me through the newsroom door straight into the train! We had taped a paper version of a locomotive light on that door.
Mutton Bustin’
Registration is still open for the children’s events held each night before the performance of the Rodeo of the Ozarks, June 21-24.
Mutton Bustin’ — Children climb on the back of sheep in a miniature bucking shoot and take a ride. Just like the cowboys’ bucking events, time and score count, but every contestant wins a trophy. For children from 4 to 6 years old, weighing less than 55 pounds.
Calf Scramble — Calves are let loose to run the arena, and children chase them to remove ribbons from their tails. First three halfpints with ribbons win a cash prize. For children ages 7 to 10.
Information: (877) 927-6336, rodeooftheozarks.org.
Rodeo Parades
Since its inception 73 years ago, the Rodeo of the Ozarks has offered two parades. Note that one of the traditional times to start has changed.
What: Rodeo parades
When: 3 p.m. June 21 and June 24
Where: Emma Avenue, downtown Springdale
Information: (877) 927-6336, rodeooftheozarks.org.
Later, those in the newsroom walked to Shiloh Square for Stagecoach Inn for lunch, with meal tickets the company bought for us. Business leaders and their wives volunteered their time to cook, serve the meals and clean up during the two-week event, Rhonda Hughes reminded me this week. Stagecoach Inn was sponsored by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce for many years. Hughes, the current vice president of operations, began her career with the chamber in 1981.
Another vivid memory of Stagecoach Inn sees the dark purple shirts and jumpers worn by the Duggar children as they waited in line for stagecoach rides at the rodeo grounds. The girls now married and featured in the TLC television show "Counting On" must have been about 7 to 10 at the time.
Don Gibson, chief executive officer of Legacy Bank, remembers the 1960s and 1970s, when those on Emma Avenue not dressed western were sent to "jail," and the only way out was through a dunk tank. Gibson worked many years for First State Bank (now Bank of America) on Emma.
As businesses moved away from Springdale's downtown, attendance at Western Days events dropped. Rather than ride off into the sunset, Western Days has changed.
NEW WEST
The Western Days committee of the Rodeo of the Ozarks offers Western Days events for today's cowboys, starting Saturday.
Over two weekends, those wanting to rope some of the western spirit are treated to a chicken-wing cooking contest featuring local restaurants, a 5K, a battle of the bands, a barbecue cookoff featuring local and competitive teams, a beer garden and a street dance. Western attire is not required, but rides on the stagecoach for kids are a must.
Many people come to the street dance because it's free, said Pat Hutter, a member of the Rodeo of the Ozarks Board of Directors. "It's a way to feel like they are participating in the rodeo."
The committee sponsors events on Emma Avenue, wanting to contribute to the revitalization efforts. "Emma Avenue has a place in our hearts," said Joe Rollins, also a member of the rodeo board. "It all started in the downtown Shiloh Square.
"We want to bring in new life and new faces. We want to see downtown Springdale explode," Rollins continued. "We want to see it succeed. And Western Days is something we want to see grow."
"We've grown much larger," Gibson said of Springdale. In the days he recalled, Springdale's population was only about 15,000, he noted. "We've grown to become a much more urban area. In the early days of the Rodeo of the Ozarks, not much was happening. Today, you've got the LPGA, events at the AMP and on Dickson Street. The [Western Days committee] had to broaden their appeal."
EVENTS
Several events are planned for Western Days. For information about any events or rodeo tickets, call the Rodeo of the Ozarks office at (877) 927-6336 or visit rodeooftheozarks.org.
Wing Fest
What: 14 restaurants compete in several categories to be judged by the people as having the best wings.
When: 5:3o p.m. Saturday
Where: Rodeo grounds, 1423 E. Emma Ave., Springdale.
Who: Restaurants are Zaxby's, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Beef 'O' Brady's, JJ's Grill, Twin Peaks, Foghorn's, Grub's Bar and Grille, Eureka Pizza, Colton's of New Orleans, Buffalo Wild Wings, Houlihan's and Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar.
Cost: $10 for all-you-can-eat wings
Also: Live music by Eye for a Lie
Sponsors: Cumulus Broadcasting, 98.3 The Keg and 92.1 The Ticket
Beer garden
Who: Core Brewing Co. and Black Apple Crossing
When: 2 to 5 p.m. June 17
Where: Shiloh Square, Emma Avenue, downtown Springdale
Sponsor: Rodeo of the Ozarks
Battle of the Bands
When: 2 to 5 p.m. June 17
Where: Shiloh Square
Other: Registration still open
Sponsor: Rodeo of the Ozarks
Stagecoach rides
When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 17
Where: Emma Avenue
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Rodeo of the Ozarks
Barbecue cookoff
Who: Competitive traveling teams, local corporate teams, local high school teams
What: Brisket, pork shoulder, chicken
When: Meals served from 5 to 7 p.m. June 17; judging begins at 4 p.m.
Where: Shiloh Square, Springdale
Cost: $10 buys a plate with two side dishes and all-you-can-eat barbecue
Other: Registration still open
Sponsor: Rodeo of the Ozarks
Street dance
Who: Boston Mountain Playboys
When: 8 p.m. June 17
Where: Emma Avenue
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Rodeo of the Ozarks
NAN Our Town on 06/08/2017