RIDE 'EM, COWBOYS

The Longhorn World Championship Rodeo returns to the Show Me Center this weekend for three days of riding, roping and racing.

The rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. A record purse of almost $33,000 will be distributed.

This year's rodeo salutes Native Americans, beginning with an eagle dance derived from the plains Indians. Other authentic dances will follow throughout the event, performed by members of various tribes.

Bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, calf roping and, of course, bull riding are on the program.

Among the competitors will be Dan Dailey, 1994 World Champion All Around Cowboy, and Dennis Morris, 1994 World Champion Bull Rider.

The 43-year-old Dailey, of Edmond, Okla., owns 28 world titles and has been competing since 1974. Some call him the "King of the Cowboys," others call him the "Bionic Cowboy."

Morris, who lives in Springfield, Tenn., has won four World Championship Bull Riding titles. He always rides carrying a good luck buckeye given to him by his grandfather.

The first 500 children through the gates Saturday will receive a free simulated eagle feather headband. Admission is half-price for children and seniors on Sunday.

Tickets are $10.50 for all seats on Friday, and $18.50, $13.50 and $11.50 Saturday and Sunday.

They are available at Schnucks, Disc Jockey Records and Capital Banks.