Memorial Day Weekend is Rodeo Weekend in Pike County

On Friday and Saturday the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association will host the 19th Annual Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo at Cattleman Park on Highway 231 south of Troy.

Gates open at 6 p.m. nightly and the chutes open at 7:30. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and over. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. All tickets will be sold at the door.

B.B. Palmer, rodeo publicity chairman, said between 250 and 300 contestants are expected to participate in the eight-event weekend rodeo.

“We’ll have all of the major rodeo events-bareback riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding,” Palmer said. “And, this year, we’ll have one of the best rodeo clowns around, Pork Chop Bobby Cox. Pork Chop is an award-winning clown. He has won many awards in the United States. “He has been the Rodeo Clown of the Year three times, a Comedy Showcase National Champion and the United States Hot Rod Association Star Entertainer. Pork Chop is also a member of the Ontario Rodeo Association.”

Cox is in his eighth year as a professional rodeo and stunt comedy clown.

“Pork Chop has performed at rodeos, monster truck shows, tractor pulls, race tracks and just about anywhere else you can think of,” Palmer said. “He will be a great attraction for this year’s rodeo. He’ll get the audience on its feet when that hot rod of his bursts into flames.”

The rodeo will also feature activities for the kids.

“The calf scramble will be at intermission both nights,” Palmer said. “The pony rides will be back this time and we’ll have rock wall climbing and bungee jumping. There will be plenty for the kids to do.”

Several vendors will set up with tack and other western items for sale.

“We’ll have concessions so everyone is invited to come out, grab a bite to eat and have a night of family fun close to home on this Memorial Day weekend,” Palmer said.