Rodeo to offer competition, entertainment

EL PASO — The Central Arkansas Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association committee will present the ninth annual Central PRCA Rodeo on April 14 and 15 at CrossRoads Cowboy Church and Two Bar Two Arena in El Paso. On Easter Sunday, April 16, Brother Ron Riddle will have a church service at 9 a.m. in the arena, and everyone is invited. There will also be a chuckwagon breakfast of biscuits and gravy at 7:30 a.m.

Contestants from all over the country will compete for points to get them to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. In years past, contestants have included Shawn Proctor, Rider Wright, Reece Cates and Ricky Hyde.

Sammy Andrews with Andrews Rodeo Co. will once again bring his awardwinning stock, along with outstanding contract acts for performances both nights. Frankie “Punkintown” Smith will be the funnyman this year.

“It’s an honor for me to entertain families,” Smith said. “After all, it seems in America, we are losing sight of family. That’s why I love the sport rodeo. It is a family sport.”

This year’s contract act will be Bert Davis and his Muttley Crew, featuring 10 rescue dogs, adopted by Bert and his wife, Frannie. The Muttley Crew and Bert were on America’s Got Talent in 2010 and were the only animal act to make it to Las Vegas. They were also recognized by

National Geographic in 2002 in a television documentary titled Dogs With Jobs.

The Central Arkansas Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association partners with the Wounded Warriors of Arkansas, through the Marine Corps League of Arkansas. A few local veterans are always honored during the rodeo. Some of the money raised will go to help Arkansas soldiers as they readjust to life back home.

This year, the rodeo will add the Miss Rodeo Arkansas pageant. The crowning of the new Miss Rodeo Arkansas will take place at the Friday-night performance.

There will also be events for the kids, such as mutton bustin’ and a calf scramble. The mini bronc riders will return for the second year. Contestants for the mutton bustin’ or bronc riding should arrive at 5:30 to sign up and be at least 8 years old and weigh no more than 50 pounds. The calf scramble is for ages 7-12, and the boot scramble is for ages 6 and younger, with buckles for the winners each night during the rodeo performance.

Vendors will be set up for shopping during the rodeo. The rodeo performance will start at 7:30 both nights, with kids’ events at 6:30. Admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and younger will be admitted free.

For more information, call Becky Switzer at (501) 230-7872 or Dale Hancock at (501) 269-4900.