Rotary Classic Rodeo is around the corner
While the annual Rotary Classic Rodeo is a competitive tournament featuring bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and other contests, the event offers something for the whole family.
The Rotary Classic Rodeo will be back at the Mississippi Horse Park on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 and will feature contestants from across the country.
The Rotary Classic Rodeo pumps about $24,000 back into the community through direct Rotary support of area civic groups and agencies. Overall, it results in an estimated $750,000 of economic impact for the area through business activity over its span.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event begins at 7 p.m. each night. Children 12 and under are admitted free on Friday; children 3 and under are admitted free on Saturday. On Saturday, attendees can enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo on the arena floor from 5-6:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance.
Women's breakaway roping was added last year to the events that include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing and team roping. The rodeo has been nationally recognized by the Women's Professional Rodeo Association with two first-place Justin Boots Best Footing Awards for the Southeastern Circuit. Contestants compete for prize money, which helps them qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.
The Rotary Classic Rodeo began 19 years ago at the Mississippi Horse Park and is the Starkville Rotary Club's largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the rodeo support humanitarian, educational and community service activities.the Mississippi Horse Park is located at 869 East Poor House Road.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Oktibbeha County Co-op, Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Tractor Supply County in Starkville and Columbus.
For more information about the Rotary Classic Rodeo, you can call the Mississippi Horse Park event info line at (662) 325-0508.