The Rodeo of the Ozarks’ final curtain came down July 3rd in Springdale, Ark., with a sky full of fireworks. The 66th rodeo is now history. We had good crowds considering most folks’ financial situation. As a board, we sure appreciated the support of fans and businesses who made it possible. Then there are volunteers that are indispensable and we have some mighty fine ones helping us. Of course this was the first year we changed dates. For 65 annual rodeos we were always July 1 through 4. This year we stepped back one day, and next year, the 67th rodeo will start on June 29 thru July 2.
Many folks asked how that helped. We saw an increase in cowboy and cowgirl contestants of 25 percent. Using the Wednesday thru Saturday night schedule, we heard it better fit many people’s schedules and every one had the 4th off. So, it was time to change. No one hurt, participants increased, win-win situation. Only bad thing is we never threw away rodeo posters before, in the past we could always use them next year or the one after. That is not to say in future years that July 4th won’t hit in those four days – I have seen the future dates, but you’ll know in plenty of time.
If you weren’t there on the 1st, you missed my ride on the Butterfield Stage, with Tonto and Beverly Shepherd, on top of the coach. The Shepherds had a new pair of young horses to drive, replacing their mules. A cross between Belgium mares and a quarter horse, the two did very well, though Tonto kidded me a lot about having a run away. Boyd Polhamus, our PRCA announcer, talked about my books and past awards, which was a very generous gesture by the board and almost a surprise – thanks.
We had lots of sheep riders, mutton busters, and we had great dogs to keep them controlled, and once again we had a bunch of hard-working volunteers wrestling sheep in the chute and helping those little kids on board. There was also a dandy bunch of “bull fighters” to rescue them. I believe Tex Holt must have taken on three dozen kids a night to ride. Once again we could never have such an event but for all the folks that work so hard to put it on. The championship trophies were too big for the winners to carry out. That is always a fun event and, like the junior grand entry, it was for the youth. I apologize, I lost all my notes with names in a mud hole I guess, but the 12-year-old Kline boy from Kingston, Ark., riding the jersey steer in the Junior Grand Entry was quite a sight to see. That young man trained that steer by himself. He wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up. I bet he makes it. Anyone that good with animals and that determined, will succeed.
The funniest wreck besides Rudy Burns, the barrel man, was a team roping steer that came burning down the arena outrunning the roper. He never stopped for the gate, tried to jump it at the last minute and the gate men behind it got run over. One cut nose, one sore hip, they were back the next night.
On the Fourth of July, we saluted our men and women in uniform. The fact we are still at war in what I call “sand piles” and our sons and daughters are serving over there is a serious matter. To not recognize our armed services for all they have done since the Revolutionary War on this weekend would be a disgrace in my book.
There was a rumor we were not going to give seat tickets out to the grand entry riders. Not true. There is no telling where that rumor began but we’ll give folks on horses or jersey steers that ride in the grand entry a free admission.
The members of the John Shaddock Wagon Train made their usual jaunt from Harrison, Ark., camping out five nights along the way. The late John Shaddock was a member of the 1976 wagon train we took to Fort Smith to meet the national bi-centennial wagon train. After that each year the wagons and riders began to roll over to our rodeo arriving on July 1st.
When this column gets to John King’s house in Benton County, he tells me he has to read it to his wife who has lost her sight. Mrs. King, I hope you have a nice three weeks ahead before the next edition. God bless everyone.
Western novelist Dusty Richards and his wife Pat live on Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas. For more information about his books you can email Dusty by visiting www.ozarksfn.com and clicking on ‘Contact Us’ or call 1-866-532-1960.
