New dates bringing in more cowboys

SPRINGDALE — Rick Culver joked that he won’t know what to do with himself on the Fourth of July.

For the past 10 years, Culver knew where he would be, at Parsons Stadium watching the Rodeo of the Ozarks. This year’s rodeo, which begins today, won’t take place on the Fourth for the first time since its founding in 1944.

The date change was meant to draw in more cowboys, who have struggled to make the Springdale rodeo and other rodeos taking place across the country on July 4. Most rodeo cowboysdo a majority of their work on the Fourth of July, known in the rodeo community as “Cowboy Christmas” because of the numerous rodeos scheduled on that day.

The Rodeo of the Ozarks has seen an increase of 20 percent in entries this year, said Culver, president of the rodeo board. Much of that isattributed to the change in dates.

“We hope it is the right decision,” Culver said. “If the spectators support us, we’ll know we made the right decision. When it is all over and done with and people get used to it, it’ll be better for everybody.”

Culver has been amember of the board for the past 10 years and said it was decided to change the dates before last year’s event. So far, competitors have appreciated the change, although feedback from fans has been mixed.

The rodeo will still be the same. There will be professionals competing over three days in events such as bareback riding, bull riding and barrel racing. Gates open each day at 6 p.m. with the grand entry at 7:30 p.m.

“Logistically, with our location, it was tough for cowboys to still make their way to other rodeos,” Culver said. “They want to make as many rodeos as they can on the Fourth.”Rodeo of the Ozarks at a glance WHAT 66th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks WHEN Tonight-July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. each day. Grand entry 7:30 p.m.

WHERE Parsons Stadium, Springdale WHO Nearly 500 competitors will take part in seven events: tie down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and bull riding.

WEB SITE rodeooftheozarks.orgTICKET INFORMATION BUCKLE CLUB SEATING $35 BOX SEATS $22 SECTIONS A, B, C, D, M, N, O $20 adults, $12 children 2-12 SECTIONS E, F, L $17 adults, $10 children 2-12 SECTIONS G, H, I, K $12 adults, $8 children 2-12