Dopps PRCA rodeo opens Friday
Optimist Park Arena will host the Daniel Dopps Memorial Dodge PRCA Rodeo beginning this Friday, June 26, and continuing Saturday, June 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Issues of seating and traffic flow being resolved, the rodeo is set to kick off its fourth annual event in memory of 19-year-old Daniel Dopps, who died from injuries sustained at a PRCA rodeo in August 2005.
The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA is a non-profit event, with proceeds garnered during the rodeo going toward local charities and youth organizations in the community.
At 7 p.m., prior to both Friday and Saturday's events, children ages 6-12 will take part in a calf scramble while children five years old and under will take part in a goat tail event. The rodeo will hold sign-ups for both events at 6:45 p.m.
During the calf scramble, the children will run out into the arena and try to retrieve ribbons tied to the calfs, while during the goat tail event, the children will attempt to retrieve ribbons that are tied to a goat's tail. The children who retrieve ribbons will receive monetary prizes for their efforts.
For all the children who compete in the pre-show events, they will be given bandanas full of candy. The bandanas were donated by Wrangler western wear.
On Saturday, the rodeo will hold "Pink Shirt" night. As partners with the Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign, the rodeo would like everyone at the rodeo to wear pink to signify their support for cancer research.
This year's rodeo will feature Slash T Pro Rodeo Company as the stock contractor and events such as saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and open barrel racing, an event that will feature several women barrel racers competing for cash prizes.
Scott Allen will serve as rodeo announcer, while Jaime Cox and Bill Hamilton are scheduled as the bullfighters and Clint "Wolfie" Selvester will provide the rodeo specialty act.
During the rodeo, several organizations will provide food booths for the public. Those organizations include American Legion Post 101, Mountain Home Fast Pitch Softball and the children of the Optimist Ag group.
The organizations will sell such foods as hot dogs, chorizos, cotton candy and snow cones, with funds going to their respective organizations.
Also featured at this year's rodeo will be Project Filter, Idaho's state-wide non-smoking program, and D&B Supply, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary by holding the "Ultimate D&B Giveaway," a drawing for an assortment of prizes ranging from generators to compressors, clothing and a year's supply of dog food.
Tickets for the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo are now available at Mountain Home Auto Ranch, Sinclair Sunset C and D&B Supply.
Pre-sale tickets for the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo will be $7 for adults, $6 for military, seniors and $5 for children 6-12 years old. Children under five years of age will get in free. Tickets at the gate will be $9 for adults, $8 for military and $5 for children 6-12 years old. Children under five years of age will get in free.
Parking for the rodeo will be free at the rodeo grounds.
Live entertainment will be provided by the Jeff Palmer Band following the rodeo.