For the third year of its 13-year reign, the Eureka Pro Rodeo will be held at the historic Eureka Downs facility, this weekend, Aug. 16 and 17. The annual event will continue to bring competitors across the nation for another weeke n d full of professional rodeo action.
Thi s year looks to be another great year as professional cowboys and cowgirls come to compete in each event which, as of last week, were all full. Events will be bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, tiedown roping, team roping and steer wrestling plus WPRA barrel racing and breakaway.
Friday night will start off with gates opening at 6 p.m. The Mutton Bustin’ for ages 6 and under begins at 7 p.m., with sign- up on the south side of the concession stand, in the Concourse Building. There is a $10 fee per ride, which will be limited to the first 20 riders. Eureka’s Brenda Gamache, pictured inset, competed in the annual Mutton Bustin’ event last year.
Saturday night’s performance will also have gates opening at 6 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ will begin at 7 p.m. and the rodeo will start at 8 p.m. Two local cowboys are also slated to compete on Saturday. Eureka’s Cash Fuesz will compete in the tie-down roping event and Trevor Donaldson will compete in the steer wrestling event. Slack will be held at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. A special goat roping event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, in the Greenwood County 4-H Show Barn, at 11 a.m. To conclude this year’s event, a dance will be held on Saturday night, from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. The band for the evening will be Brickhorse. The dance will be held north of the concourse building and is free for those who paid for admission to the Rodeo. Others can attend the dance for $5.
The Eureka Pro Rodeo is administered by the Greenwood County Rodeo Association, which is comprised of committee members Luke and Rhonda Adkins, Caden Adkins, Wayne Bailey, Wes Bailey, Tyson Brenton, Shelby Bohl, Pam Brown, Jasey Burke, Missy Burtin, Edi Clark, Glen and Rachel Collinge, Joel Edmondson, Brent Escareno, Josh and Megan Gudde, Alan Johnson, Clint and Angie Johnson, Kris Martinsen, Ron Mast, Zach Mast, Craig and Kathy Miller, Brian and Vandetta Mongeau, Sheri Mundhenke, Jamie and Stephanie Nelson, Melissa Richard and John Teagarden.
United Pro Rodeo Company of Palestine, Texas, owned by Danny Reagan, will again provide the stock. Returning this year is PRCA Funny Man Preston Broxson and announcing this year is West Huggins.
Presenting, Premium, Platinum and Gold sponsors are invited to the complimentary VIP room, located in the Turf Room upstairs in the air-conditioned portion of Eureka Downs, throughout the rodeo event. A VIP meal for $250 and above sponsors will also be available in the Turf Room.
Planning for this event begins shortly after the previous year’s performance and continues throughout the year. This year, the event required $95,000 to host the rodeo. This money is provided through sponsorships and services from the surrounding communities. This includes individuals as well as businesses, and they have been unflagging in their support of this event. Each year the committee donates a portion of the proceeds to charitable organizations. Concessions and a variety of vendors will be available at the rodeo grounds.
No outside coolers, drinks or pets are allowed at the rodeo. A Beer Garden will be provided by the Greenwood County 3-Wheelers Shrine Club as well as a Whiskey Garden, served by the Woodson County Masonic Lodge #121. (Both will be available in both the main and upper levels of Eureka Downs.)
Purchase your tickets at the gate: $15 for adults; $5 for kids 7-11; 6 and under are free.
Friday night will recognize those women serving in the agriculture field. Saturday night will recognize first responders.
For more information, contact Jamie Nelson at 620-583-9565.
