By Frank J. Buchman
Circleville’s always been kind of “a horsey community.”
With annual horse shows, “raceos,” and occasional team roping jackpots, and the like, the Circleville Saddle Arena has hosted horse events for decades.
“For the last two years, we’ve hosted full ledged rodeos that were so successful, we’re planning our third annual Circleville Rodeo, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 and 8, starting at 8 o’clock each evening,” according to Susan Rollins, rodeo chairman for the Circleville Saddle Club.
“The rodeo is again going to be double sanctioned by both the United Rodeo Association and the Interstate Rodeo Association with contestants expected to participate from throughout the Midwest,” Rollins said.
“There is added money to every event in the rodeo which will help increase the number and quality of contestants,” she stated.
Rodeo Rose Productions, owned and operated by Brent and Stella Larreau, Hershey, Neb., will again produce the rodeo, with Brent Larreau also to serve as one of the pickup men.
“Brent has a top string of rodeo livestock and produces several quality rodeos every year,” explained Rollins.
In addition to wild bull riding, and both categories of bronc riding, bareback and under association-saddle, there will be steer wrestling, and five divisions of roping: team heading-heeling, breakaway for youth and women, open tie-down and over-40 calf roping. Cowgirls’ barrel racing is also on tap for all ages.
“In order to get all of the younger generation involved in the rodeo, there will again be a mutton busting, really a sheep riding contest, with entries open both nights,” Rollins said.
“Youth are the future of rodeo, and there’s nothing more exciting than watching young cowboys getting more involved in our sport. So, this year we decided to add youth steer riding to the each evening’s events. There’s been considerable interest, and this could be the major attraction for our rodeo this year, and in the future,” Rollins speculated.
“Only the best will win, though,” the rodeo promoter verified.
“We’re really excited to have Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo clown Todd Pedigree, better known to rodeo audiences as ‘Smiley,’ as our funnyman. It’ll be worth the ticket price just to watch and hear Smiley, let alone all of the other exciting Western action,”
Rollins promised.
Obviously, it’ll be family entertainment at the Circleville Saddle Club Rodeo, and further verification of that is Rollin’s invitation: “We’ll have concessions on site, so bring your lawn chairs and completely enjoy the action. Camping is welcome, too, in order to make it a full weekend of family fun and relaxation.”
For a small community saddle club like Circleville to put on such a major attraction is no small endeavor and requires considerable support and cooperation from a wide area, along with the many local volunteers.
“We really appreciate all of that support, and we especially want to thank Jackson County Tourism for financial support in our diverse advertising campaign,” Rollins credited.
“This is our third year, and based on the two years’ rodeo successes, along with all of our planning, advertising and everything involved, we’re confident this will be even bigger and better. We’re going to have a great rodeo with large attendance. Make sure everybody comes,” welcomed Rollins, noting that gates open both evenings at 6 p.m.
Advance tickets for reduced prices are available at Farmers State Bank, and Desparado’s, both in Holton, as well as at R Bar B Tack & Trailers, Topeka.
