SPRINGDALE -- The dates have changed but the show remains the same.
That's the twist for the 72nd version of the Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale. A longtime July 4th tradition, the Rodeo of the Ozarks begins today and ends Saturday at Parsons Stadium.
AT A GLANCE
Rodeo of the Ozarks
WHEN: June 22-25
WHERE: Parsons Stadium, Springdale
ADMISSION: $15 to $23 for grandstand seating; $25 for box seats; $38 for Buckle Club seats; children, $7 for grandstand seating.
INFO: www.rodeoftheozarks… or call (877) 927-6336.
The change was made to allow the event to attract more of the top competitors. Organizers also wanted to take advantage of a Saturday finale because July 4th falls on Monday this year.
"A cowboy used to come by and stay all week," said Rick Culver, executive director of the Rodeo of the Ozarks. "Now, they come and stay one night and move on to the next rodeo. After we looked at it, it was smart to move it back a week because spectators didn't have to choose between fireworks, the rodeo and ball parks."
The Rodeo of the Ozarks begins today with a parade at 3 p.m. on Emma Avenue in downtown Springdale. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the action begins at 7:30 p.m. each night with competition in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping and bull riding, a fan favorite that can bring spectators out of their seats.
Begun in 1944, the Rodeo of the Ozarks is rated by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association as one of the top five outdoor rodeos in the country. A total of 470 cowboys and cowgirls are expected to compete this week for a purse of $60,000. There are other attractions to keep fans focused, including the Mutton Bustin' competition where children try to hold on while riding sheep, which starts at 6:30 each night. Additional smiles will be provided by Cody Sosebee, a rodeo clown from Charleston.
The competition ends Saturday night, when Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks will be crowned. The ticket office is open each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the intersection of Emma Avenue and Arkansas 265 in Springdale.
Parsons Stadium has undergone some improvements, including new metal bleachers on the west side of the stadium. The wooden bleachers on the east side will be replaced during a second phase of a $16 million renovation plan that has been approved by the city.
Sports on 06/22/2016