RODEO ACTION RETURNS TO SHOW ME CENTER

Longhorn Rodeo will be at the Show Me Center for the fourth year in a row Feb. 15-17. One of the first events held at the center after it was built, the rodeo continues to draw large crowds.

"We always have good crowds for every performance," said Sheila Lehrke a promoter with the rodeo company. "Ticket sales this year are starting out very good."

The theme of the rodeo changes each year, Lehrke said. This year's theme is "The Longhorns are Coming!"

The opening act of the rodeo will include a herd of Texas Longhorn steers, and will present an historic overview of the American cowboy, all under spotlights, she said. "It's all very nostalgic."

The trophy steers have horn spreads of six feet or more, and are provided by the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America.

Lehrke said the success and popularity of shows is because they include more than just bull riding and other classic rodeo events.

"There is a lot of entertainment value connected to the show, all built around the competition," she said.

The competition, sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association, will include bare back bronco riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, cowgirl barrel racing, calf roping, and what Lehrke said is always the most popular event, bull riding.

"Bull riding is far and away the most popular rodeo event," she said. "The power and size of the bulls is awesome."

Of course, the traditional rodeo clowns, brass band, and trick roping stunts will also be a part of the rodeo, said Lehrke.

More than 200 cowboys and cowgirls are expected to compete, and about $25,000 will be given away in prize money.

In addition, 150 head of livestock, including award-winning bucking stock, will be transported to the rodeo from the Longhorn Ranch located near Nashville, Tenn. Competitors will bring more than 100 head of trained competition horses from all over the world.

The show will last about two hours, Lehrke said.

Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are available at the Show Me Center box office, Sears, Disc Jockey Records and Schnucks in Cape Girardeau; and Mercantile Banks in Dexter, Perryville, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston.

For further ticket information, call the Show Me Center at 651-5000.

Friday is Schnucks Bargain Night. All seats are $8.50. Reserved seats for Saturday and Sunday are $9.50 and $11.50.

Saturday is Kids Trick Rope Night, when free cowboys trick ropes will be given to the first 500 kids ages 12 and under who come through the door.

Sunday is Family Day. Children 12 and under and senior citizens will get in for half price.