Rodeo of the Ozarks now a pre-July 4th event

NWA Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER
Bill Tutor of Huntsville, Texas, rides in the bareback event on Friday, June 24, 2016, during the Rodeo of the Ozarks at Parsons Stadium in Springdale.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER Bill Tutor of Huntsville, Texas, rides in the bareback event on Friday, June 24, 2016, during the Rodeo of the Ozarks at Parsons Stadium in Springdale.

SPRINGDALE -- Change that breaks from long-standing tradition is often difficult, like what happened last year when the annual Rodeo of the Ozarks took place before the Fourth of July holiday for the first time.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Rachel Lee of Siloam Springs gets a big kiss from her horse, Stardust, on Tuesday as she sets out water for her as preparations for the 73rd Rodeo of the Ozarks continue at Parsons Stadium in Springdale. Lee is in her third year serving as one of the Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders and will be working during rodeo week which begins with a parade at 3 p.m. today. andy sh

"The Monday after the rodeo, we had people come in wanting tickets," said Rick Culver, executive director of the rodeo. "People are so used to it being on the Fourth or the weekend right around the Fourth. It's different, but it's all going to work out. It just might take awhile."

AT A GLANCE

Rodeo of the Ozarks

WHEN: Today through Saturday

WHERE: Parsons Stadium, Springdale

ADMISSION: $15 to $25 for adults and $7 to $15 for children, depending on days and sections. Children’s tickets will be $7 on Wednesday and Thursday. Buckle Club seating is available for $38.

INFO: www.rodeoftheozarks… or call (877) 92-RODEO

The 73rd Rodeo of the Ozarks begins today and ends Saturday at Parsons Stadium. Moving the rodeo up on the calendar allows cowboys and cowgirls more flexibility during a busy period called "Cowboy Christmas" around the Fourth of July.

"We were getting the best stock, but many of the cowboys were going out west for rodeos, and it was hard to get them back here," Culver said. "Rodeo has become a big business. I think our move paid off last year, cowboy-wise."

Rodeo events today begin with a parade at 3 p.m. on Emma Avenue in downtown Springdale. Emma Avenue will open at noon and close again at 5 p.m. because of ongoing construction. Gates at the rodeo open at 6 p.m. and the action begins at 7:30 p.m. with competition in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping and bull riding, a fan favorite known to bring spectators out of their seats.

The rodeo, which started in 1944, is rated by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association as one of the top five outdoor rodeos in the country. More than 400 cowboys and cowgirls are expected for this year's competition.

Related events, which include the Mutton Bustin' competition in which children try to hold on while riding sheep, start at 6:30 each night. New acts this year will be provided by the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard and the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, where two cowgirls will perform with ropes and do trick-riding on their horses.

The competition continues through Saturday night, when 2017 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks is crowned and the four-day event concludes with a fireworks display.

The ticket office is open each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the intersection of Emma Avenue and South Old Missouri Road in Springdale.

Sports on 06/21/2017

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