Fair returns Rodeo
BY TAMARA GREGOR
The Big L Rodeo will ride into the 119th Stephens County Free Fair Aug. 28-29 at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center.
Rodeo gates will open at 6 p. m. and mutton bustin’ will begin at 7:30 p. m. with the rodeo starting at 8 p. m. Participants can enter the mutton bustin’ onsite at the rodeo.
Announcer John Lynn will call out events and Ty Lynn, funny man will be in attendance.
The annual rodeo, which dates back several years, took a brief break, but will kick back up at this year’ s free fair.
Marketing / Communication Community Engagement Director Heather Kulbeth said the Stephens County Free Fair continues to provide a place where families, friends, businesses and neighbors come together to celebrate the traditions that make the community special.
“ From livestock shows and exhibits to local entertainment and family activities, the fair showcases the hard work, talent, and pride of Stephens County,” she said.
Kulbeth said this year will mark an exciting chapter for the free fair with the return of the Stephens County Free Fair Rodeo.
“ Rodeo has long been a part of Oklahoma’ s heritage,” she said.“ Bringing it back is about more than just entertainment, it’ s about creating new memories for future generations and providing another opportunity for our community to come together.”
Kulbeth said the rodeo will attract contestants and visitors from across the county, as well as bring additional business to local restaurants, retail stores and other small businesses while increasing visibility to Stephens County.
Events at the rodeo will consist of: Mutton Bustin’, $ 20; ranch bronc riding, $ 50; breakaway roping, $ 75; tie-down calf roping, $ 75; pony bronc riding, $ 50; team roping, $ 60 per team to enter five; open barrel racing, $ 50; junior barrel racing for ages 14 and under, $ 30; bull riding, $ 50.
To enter rough stock, contact Jay Morgan at 580-656-0759 from 5-10 p. m. Monday, Aug. 24. All other events are entered on-site before the rodeo.
The cost to enter the rodeo is $ 10 at the gate, $ 7 in advance and ages 6 and under is free.