The cowboys are coming to town.
The 23nd annual Licking PRCA Rodeo kicks off a three-night stand tonight [Thursday] at the rodeo grounds west of U.S. 63. Gates open at 6 o’clock nightly. The rodeo begins at 8 p.m.
Events nightly include: calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, WPRA barrel racing and bull riding.
A wild horse race is planned for after the rodeo on Saturday night. Entrants must be 18 or older.
This year’s edition of the rodeo carries $17,500 in added money.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and those under 5 get in free at the event, which is an annual major undertaking of the Licking Chamber of Commerce. Thursday night senior citizens – those older than 65 – get in for half price. On Thursday and Friday night, children 11 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Those attending the event will find a new cook shack in operation.
Other events planned:
*Several contests are planned in downtown – ranging from a turtle contest to a “Little Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest.”
*At 10:30 a.m., Steve Spalding, an entertainer from Lebanon, will perform.
*A watermelon eating contest for kids 12 and under is at 11:30 a.m.
*The always popular rodeo parade begins at 2 p.m. The lineup is at 1 p.m. at Licking High School for floats, cars and walking entries. Horses and wagons will gather at 1 p.m. at Deer Lick Park.
This year’s parade theme is “Parade of Patriots.” The Fort Leonard Wood color guard will lead the event. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three floats – $100, $75 and $50. The best decorated horse and rider – as well as wagon -will win $50. For additional parade information, contact Mattie Buckner at 573-674-4634.
Various vendors – selling food and crafts – also will have booths downtown.
*At 2:30 p.m., the community will host “Rodeo Idol,” a talent contest. To register by June 1, call Misty Atchley at 573-674-2408 or 417-260-5345.
A special section on the rodeo appears in today’s Herald.