Annual Rotary Classic Rodeo coming to Mississippi Horse Park this weekend

Stock contractor Pete Carr’s Dirty Jacket, who was named Bareback Horse of the Year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for two straight seasons, is among the many horses set to be in Starkville this weekend for the Rotary Classic Rodeo. (Submitted photo)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—High-caliber riders from across the country will show their skills Friday and Saturday [Feb. 10 and 11] at the Mississippi Horse Park during the annual Rotary Classic Rodeo.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event will begin at 7 p.m. each night. On Saturday, attendees can enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo on the arena floor from 5-6:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Children 12 and under are admitted free on Friday; Saturday children’s admission is $5.

“It takes eight bone-jarring seconds for a bucking horse or bull to complete a ride that can punch up a cowboy’s career, or send him crashing into the dirt,” Bricklee Miller, Mississippi Horse Park director, said. “This year’s field will feature cowboys and cowgirls that have National Finals qualifications. It says a lot for the Rotary Classic Rodeo to have the kind of hospitality that makes this caliber of contestants return each year.”

Rodeo events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing and team roping. Contestants will compete for prize money, which helps them to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

“The Rodeo” began 13 years ago at the Horse Park and is now Starkville Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the rodeo support humanitarian, educational and community service activities.

“The committee has been working very hard for several months to prepare and plan for our rodeo,” said Trey Breckenridge, Rotary Rodeo co-chair. “We have over 200 contestants from across the country who have entered our pro rodeo which is great for our local businesses. We also want to thank our sponsors that support this community event.”

Title sponsors include C Spire, Clark Beverage, North Mississippi Medical Center, Oktibbeha County Co-op, Parker-McGill/RAM, The Dispatch, Tractor Supply Co. and WCBI.

Advanced tickets can be purchased at North Mississippi Medical Center in Eupora, Oktibbeha County Co-op, Parker-McGill Automotive in Starkville and Tractor Supply Co.’s Starkville and Columbus locations.

For more information, call the Mississippi Horse Park event info line at 662-325-0508, follow on Facebook at MS Horse Park or visit the Rotary Rodeo website at rodeo.starkvillerotary.org.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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