ARCOLA - Last year the Arcola Rodeo had a sold-out event.
This year, the annual rodeo is slated to be Aug. 25, with a start time of 6:30 p.m. It is a few weeks later than normal, but it will still have the same fun entertainment, plus some new and exciting events.
Event chairman Lucas Hislop feels that with the new events, it will bring a large crowd once again.
During the day, a qualifying open jackpot for the barrel racers will be held for peewee, youth and open competitors, and the top-10 qualifying runs will advance to the evening event for the winner.
This event always brings a lot of entertainment with the saddle broncs and the bareback riders.
A new event this year is the sheep scramble, which will replace the mutton busting. Three sheep will be released in the arena with one having a ribbon tied around its neck. Kids from age five to eight will chase the sheep, and the first kid to get the ribbon will be declared the winner.
The entertainment will continue throughout the evening with a performance by the Truco Trick Riders. These young women have only been riding together for a year, and they will dazzle the crowd.
Wild pony races will be featured again for those aged eight to 15.
A team of three will enter the arena. One is the anchor, one is the mugger, and one rides. Once the rider is on the pony, whoever stays on the longest will be crowned the champion.
Bucking bulls are always a favourite at the rodeo, and Arcola is no different. Many young riders will attempt to stay on the beasts for the full eight seconds. Rider form and bull performance are all part of the point system.
Steer roping is also on the agenda for the evening and will create another great event.
This year the women will take a bigger part in the rodeo with riding the ranch broncs. It is becoming a popular event in several rodeos, and this is a first for the Arcola Rodeo. For this event, entries open Aug. 12 and 13.
Beer gardens will be open under the tent and food will also be available.
On stage will be the Johner Brothers, with special guests the Johner Boys, for those who wish to dance the night away. They were also the entertainment last year and the crowd was very pleased with their performance.
Hislop feels it will be a magnificent event, and packed with entertainment the whole evening, so come early to get a good place to sit, as it does not take long for the place to fill. For those wishing to register or have questions, please contact Lucas Hislop.
