New people and new ideas are kicking up the action at the Buckeye Stampede Pro Rodeo, to be held July 11, 12, and 13 at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover, Ohio.
Entertaining and fun activities have been added in the rodeo's transition to a community organized event operated by volunteer committees. Among them are two on Saturday, an open team roping competition for professional and amateur cowboys from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a pancake breakfast to benefit the Friends of the Homeless shelter in New Philadelphia from 8 a.m. to noon.
A few new spectators will also be attending, thanks to the efforts of Carol Glessner of Country Coach Adventures near Beach City, Ohio. Glessner, who packages bus tours for companies around the U.S., attended the BSPR for the first time last year.
"I sat there for three hours totally enthralled," said Glessner, who then packaged a rodeo trip, with stops at some of the many other area attractions, such as Rolling Ridge Ranch and Warther's Museum. "Everyone benefits when we bring in a bus load of folks," she added, saying three buses are already booked for the 2008 rodeo and many more are expected for 2009.
Rodeos are more than a competition; they are a celebration of an American lifestyle and one of the largest spectator sports in the country.
Ohio's unique ties with western history and rodeo go back as far as 1788 when Marietta, Ohio was the capital of the Northwest Territory. Ohioans such as Annie Oakley, Hopalong Cassidy, and Roy Rogers are recognized as some of America's greatest cowboys and cowgirls.
Held rain or shine, the unpredictable mix of the elements and animals in competition with the professional cowboy adds to America's "original extreme sport."
Members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), from all over the United States, will compete for points that could ultimately earn them a chance at a national title. Members of the Professional Women's Barrel Racing Association, a division of the PRCA, will also compete.
More than $50,000 in prize money will be awarded in bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, cowgirl barrel racing, and bull riding. Livestock for the event will be provided by J Bar J Rodeo Company of Clare, Michigan.
Cowboys and cowgirls are dedicated to their equine partners and rodeo. "We treat our animals like they're part of the family," said Robbin Selway of New Philadelphia, Ohio, who along with her husband, Ron, originally brought the BSPR to the area. Robbin will compete in the women's barrel racing competition. "We don't get paid to show up, we only get paid if we win."
Master of ceremonies, Monty Stueve from Perry, Oklahoma, will bring his exciting style to the BSPR. "I love to announce the rodeo," said Stueve. "If I'm not having fun, the crowd's not having fun."
A new act, award winning rodeo clown Bert Davis, known as the Coppertown Clown, and his group of trained dogs, rescued from shelters around the country, will bring smiles to everyone.
The rodeo is family entertainment at a great value. Nashville singer DeWayne Spaw, who provides electrifying pre-rodeo shows, and the Texas Roadhouse line dancers, new this year, will be featured.
Friday night is Family Night, with all children six years old and under admitted free. Saturday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, which promotes breast cancer awareness. Sunday, Championship Cowboy night, the competition heats up as the winners are decided.
Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children under twelve.
The Buckeye Stampede Pro Rodeo has partnered with the non-profit Pursuing the Dream Foundation "Outdoors Without Limits." Rodeo proceeds sponsor the largest challenged rodeo in Ohio, as well as other programs which enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Many area businesses and organizations recognize the value of the BSPR to the community and continue to support it in its fourth year. Sponsors include Oxford Mining, Chuck Nicholson GMC Pontiac, Budweiser, and Texas Roadhouse.
This summer, go back to your roots, your rodeo roots that is, and rediscover the cowboy spirit.
For a complete listing of rodeo activities, visit www.buckeyestampede.com or call 330-364-4076 for more information.
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Michael Mast
Graphic Publications, Inc.
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