The 32nd annual Licking Chamber of Commerce Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, June 2 through 4.
This year’s specialty act is “Kimzey’s Tricked Out,” featuring trick riding and roping with the brother and sister duo of Trey and Dusta Kimzey (out of Strong City, Okla.), who perform nationwide at PRCA events and other shows.
Comedian and barrel man Trent McFarland (of Hope Hull, Ala.) will entertain the crowd and lend valuable assistance to bull riders, Chris Pyle (of Pilot Grove, Mo.) will return as public address announcer and livestock will be provided by Championship Pro Rodeo stock contractor (of .
Gates open at 6 p.m. each night with competition starting at 8 p.m. Senior citizens get in for half price on Thursday night, and kids 11-and-under get in for free Thursday and Friday nights. The Pre-Show each evening will be Mutton Bustin’. Entrants must sign up from 6 to 6:45 p.m., and the event will begin at 7 p.m.
A salute to the military will take place Friday night, and all active military personnel will be admitted free, and their spouses and retired military get in for half price. There will also be a goat scramble for the kids on Friday, sponsored by Salem Butcher Shop.
Saturday night is Pink Night in support of the fight against cancer, and pink balloons will be available for people to buy and release in honor of loved ones who have battled the disease. Also Saturday night, Newkirk Auction will sponsor a kids’ calf scramble and Cable America will give away a big screen TV.
Other prizes will be given away each night.
During “Rodeo Saturday” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., food and craft vendors will be set up along South Main Street. Vendor spaces (10-foot x 10-foot) are available for $20 by calling Joan Branam at TJ’s Flowers at 573-674-2547.
Kid’s games begin at 9 a.m. in the alley between the Licking News office and the old bank building, and there will be entertainment throughout the day.
The annual rodeo parade is set to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. This year’s theme is “Take the Bull by the Horns,” and the grand marshal will be former Licking Coach Byron Hagler.
Prizes awarded for the top three floats – first place $100, second $75 and third $50. All clubs, groups, churches, businesses, bands, antique cars and tractors, motorcycles, bicycles and horses are welcome to participate in the parade. Anyone wishing to participate can show up at Licking High School by 1:30 p.m. and for the parade line up.
For more information, call Haley Joyner at 417-217-8133.