For the fifth year of its 15-year reign, the Eureka Pro Rodeo will be held at the historic Eureka Downs facility this weekend, Aug. 14 and 15. The annual event will continue to bring competitors from across the nation for another weekend full of professional rodeo action.
This 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, tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling, plus WPRA Barrel racing and breakaway.
Friday night will start 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.
Saturday night’s performance will also have gates opening at 6 p.m., Mutton Bustin’ at 7 p.m., and the rodeo starting at 8 p.m.
Eureka graduate Brody Harrison is slated to compete in Saddle Bronc on Saturday. Additional local cowboys and cowgirls may also compete, as re-entries were open Monday morning. The order of contestants will be available later this week.
Slack will be held at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.
To conclude this year’s event, a dance will be held on Saturday night, from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. The band for the evening will be David Oakleaf and the Open Road Band. The dance will be held north of the concourse building, following the rodeo. There is no charge for the dance.
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 sponsors of $250 and above will also be available in the Turf Room.
United Pro Rodeo Company, of Palestine, Texas, owned by Danny Reagan, will again provide the stock. Returning this year are announcer West Huggins and the PRCA Funny Man Jason Farley. Additional entertainment for this year’s event includes Liberty Cunningham, a professional 15-year-old PRCA trick rider, Roman rider, and liberty horse performer from a third-generation rodeo family.
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 first responders. Saturday night will recognize those who have or are currently serving in the military.
The Eureka Pro Rodeo is administered by the Greenwood County Rodeo Association, which is comprised of committee members Luke Adkins, Wayne Bailey, Wes Bailey, Tyson Brenton, Pam Brown, Jasey Burke, Missy Burtin, Edi Clark, Glen and Rachel Collinge, Joel Edmondson, Warren Farr, Josh Gudde, Megan Gudde, Alan Johnson, Chris and Kris Martinsen, Ron Mast, Zach Mast, Craig and Kathy Miller, Brian and Vandetta Mongeau, Sheri Mundhenke, Jamie and Stephanie Nelson and John Teagarden.
Planning for this event begins shortly after the previous year’s performance and continues throughout the year. This year, the event required approximately $110,000 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 unwavering in their support of this event.
For more information, contact Jamie Nelson at 620-583-9565.
