Rodeo action in The Natural State
Rodeo action in The Natural State excites crowds with everything from
saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, goat tying, steer wrestling and
calf roping to team roping, barrel racing, cutting, bull riding,
bareback riding and pole bending.
Talented athletes take part in events ranging from open horse shows
in Quitman to bull riding in Ash Flat and clinics around the state.
Arkansas cowgirl rodeo royalty hold court over rodeos and parades. And,
of course, a rodeo wouldn't be a rodeo without the always entertaining
clowns.
From high school to amateur to pro rodeo events, wranglers, ropers
and rodeo fans have plenty of thrills and spills events from which to
choose.
Springdale's foremost event for more than 60 years, the annual Rodeo of the Ozarks,
celebrates our nation's birthday each year on July 1-4 while giving
audiences the opportunity to experience part of our country's heritage
through professional rodeo. More than 500 contestants and professional
athletes compete in seven Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
and Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) sanctioned events -
tie down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle
bronc riding, team roping, and the ever-popular bull riding. Fireworks
take place after each performance with a huge show on the July 4. Two
great parades fill downtown Emma Street on July 1 and 4.
For more than 70 years, the annual Old Fort Days Rodeo
in Fort Smith has been entertaining rodeo enthusiasts with talented
cowboys, high prize money and quality rodeo livestock. The fast paced
action includes calf roping, barrel racing, wild horse racing, bareback
riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, the Old Fort Days Dandies,
and bull riding. It is held at Kay Rodgers Park, which is also home to
the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair, Old Fort Days Futurity and the Hangin' Judge High School Rodeo.
Each summer, Conway is home to the annual Central Arkansas PRCA
Rodeo, as well numerous other events throughout the year with the ATRA
and the Arkansas High School Rodeo.
For more than 50 years, Calico Rock
has held an annual rodeo and parade. Huntsville offers a Western Round
Up Dance of live music, toe tappin', knee slappin' fun in preparation
for its IPRA Rodeo, which has been an annual event for more than a
decade. With participants from around the country, events include mutton
bustin', a grand entry, and more. A rodeo parade is comprised of local
riding clubs, quadrille groups and the Rodeo Queen and her court.
Arkansas State Fair
Rodeos, livestock shows and horse shows are ubiquitous to county
fairs. Youngsters can compete in events such as calf scrambles, wild cow
milking, and mutton bustin'. The largest such event in the state, the Arkansas State Fair
is held each October. Tons of activities for all age groups, including a
carnival midway, livestock competition, cook-offs, all kinds of "fair"
food plus top cowboys and cowgirls competing for prizes highlight this
annual event.
Rodeo venues include Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Parsons Stadium in Springdale, Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, and other smaller locales.
You can even find the Rodeo Cafe in Beebe.
Arkansas is teeming with organizations with a unique love for all
aspects of the sport. If you are looking to buy, sell, or trade
equipment from bridles to horse trailers, these associations can help
with that too.
Check out these Web sites for information:
