Back in the saddle : Rodeo of the Ozarks now among PRCA’s elite events
Posted on Tuesday, July 1, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Sports/66711/
SPRINGDALE — Rodeo fans are in for a wilder ride than in past years when the 64 th Rodeo of the Ozarks begins today at Parson’s Stadium in Springdale.
The Rodeo of the Ozarks graduated to the big-time when it recently was promoted to the Wrangler Professional Rodeo Tour, which elevates the event to elite status in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Points earned by competitors in seven WPRA and PRCA events will count toward qualification for the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, where the rodeo world assembles to crown its top champions.
“ That’s a big thing for us this year, ” said Steve Smith, Rodeo of the Ozarks board member. “ We had to increase our purses but it puts us among the nation’s elite rodeos and because of that we’ve got some of the world’s top cowboys coming here to compete. We’ve got guys coming here who can compete with anyone in the world. ”
While the purses may have increased, Smith said the tickets pric- es have not. Smith said the rodeo will also feature concerts each night. Confederate Railroad, Sarah Johns, John Anderson and Highway 101 will highlight the musical portion of the event.
“ We’ve got a lot more going on this year but we don’t charge any more for it, ” Smith said. “ With the economy the way it is, we figure a lot of people will stay close to home this summer and we felt like keeping the prices of our tickets the same was the right thing to do. We expect an even better turnout this year with the increase in big-name cowboys and the concerts. We’ve got a great bargain here for a great rodeo. ”
Matt Austin (2005 NFR world champion bull rider ), Chance Smart (current point standings leader in bull riding ), B. J. Schumacher (2006 NFR world champion bull rider ), Chad Farley (2006 NFR saddle bronc riding world champion ), Billy Etbauer (five-time NFR saddle bronc riding world champion ), Will Lowe (three-time saddle bronc riding world champion ), Fred Whitfield (eighttime calf-roping world champion and all-around cowboy champion in 1999 ) and Roy Cooper (six-time calf-roping world champion ) are among the globe’s best who are slated to compete this week.
Several other NFR qualifiers are also scheduled to compete, Smith said.
“ We’ve got people coming here who are huge names in the rodeo world, ” Smith said. “ It’s a big local event and it has a big economic impact on the area with hotels, increased restaurant activity, stores and gas stations all benefiting from the rodeo. People come from throughout the region and the cowboys come from all over the nation and it’s just a huge event. ”
Along with the boost from the WPRA and PRCA, the Rodeo of the Ozarks also features its signature events such at Mutton Bustin’ and the Rounders.
“ We invite everyone out and it will be a good time, ” Smith said. “ It’s a great event to take the whole family to. It’s good, clean, wholesome fun for everyone. ”
For more information visit www. rodeooftheozarks. org.