Published: August 10, 2007 12:27 am            

63rd Annual Ralph Morgan rodeo begins tonight

For more than three decades, the Semi-Annual Ralph Morgan Rodeo has wowed the young and young-at-heart with professional competitions as well as fun events, and plenty of good food.

“It’s a lot of action and good family fun,” said Linda Clayton, who helps organize the rodeo.

More than 100 athletes from several states are expected to compete in The 63rd semi-annual Ralph Morgan Rodeo, which kicks off at 7:30 tonight at Ralph Morgan Arena. The rodeo also will be held Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Held every April and August, the rodeo has been long considered a rich tradition in Lauderdale. In recent years, shows have drawn overflowing crowds.

“We usually have a crowd of 3,000-plus each night,” Clayton said.

The color guard from Naval Air Station Meridian will present the colors at the opening each night. Performing “The National Anthem” tonight will be Chad Acton of Meridian. On Saturday, 9-year-old twins Madison and Ansley Hendricks of Talladega, Ala., will perform. The girls attend the Talladega School for the Blind.

“They are awesome,” Clayton said. “They have performed at the Talladega races several times and at the Governor’s mansion in Montgomery.”

Competitions will be held in several events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, women’s barrel racing, bull riding and team roping.

Rounding out the list of events will be a children’s calf scramble. During the event, two or three calves are turned loose in the arena with a ribbon on their tail. Whoever can catch the calf, remove the ribbon and get to the judge first wins a prize.

And what rodeo wouldn’t be complete without a clown? Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard will bring his specialty act featuring monkeys that ride dogs and herd sheep to the Ralph Morgan Arena.

In addition to clowns and competitions, the rodeo also will include concessions — hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, corn dogs, barbecue, fish sandwiches, french fries, nachos, snow cones and fresh lemonade. Concession stands will be manned by members of Lauderdale United Methodist Church and the booth and the Lauderdale 4-H Club.



Want to go?



What: 63rd

Semi-Annual Ralph Morgan Rodeo,

produced by Harper and Morgan Rodeo

When: Tonight and Saturday

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ralph Morgan Rodeo Arena, Lauderdale

Tickets: Adults $10; children (12 and under), $6

Information:

(601) 679-8861

        

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