Rodeo performers, Dick and Lois Cory, will bring their own special brand of Western entertainment to the Cattleman Park arena Friday and Saturday nights as part of the fun and excitement of the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association 17th Annual Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo.

“The couple is known as the ‘Roping Corys,’ and they have been entertaining audiences with their Western specialty acts for over 50 years,” said B.B. Palmer, Pike County Cattlemen’s publicity chair. “They’re one of the finest trick and fancy roping acts in the country. They’ve earned the respect of rodeo fans everywhere.”

Palmer said trick and fancy rope spinning has become somewhat of a vanishing art.

“To do the kind of roping the Corys do takes a lot of study and practice. The Corys are dedicated professionals that have made a life-time commitment to preserving this unique style of roping.”

The Corys were recently inducted into the Professional Cowboy Association Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport of rodeo and their spirited involvement in the cowboy way of life.

“The Corys have a long association with the Professional Cowboy Association,” Palmer said. “They consider PCA contestants some of the most competitive in rodeo today and we are proud to bring them to Cattleman Park as featured entertainment at the Pike County Cattlemen’s PCA Rodeo this Memorial Day weekend.”

Dick Cory is one of rodeo’s most versatile cowboy entertainers. Although he is known primarily as a roper, he has received recognition as a singing cowboy.

“Dick mounts his paint horse, Friendly, and rides the arena singing, what you might call, a cowboy yodel song,” Palmer said. “This is something that rodeo fans of all ages will enjoy.”

Palmer said there has long been a fascination with the American cowboy.

“Dick Cory has a style that is much like that of the American cowboy. He rides into the arena, and he brings back the magic of the Old West. Everybody will be fascinated by the ‘Roping Corys,’ and they will be a great addition to the rodeo.”

The ‘Roping Corys’ will perform for the students at Troy Elementary School Friday morning.

“We want to get kids interested in rodeo, and there’s no better way than to introduce them to a real cowboy and cowgirl who can do fancy tricks with a rope,” Palmer said.

The Pike County Cattlemen’s PCA Rodeo will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23 at Cattleman Park. The gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at all county banks and other businesses.