Washington County Enterprise-Leader
It’s Rodeo Time
Lincoln Event Draws Cowboys, Cowgirls, Thousands To Area
LINCOLN — It’s that time of year when cowboys and cowgirls from across the area, region and country ride into the Lincoln Rodeo Arena for three days of fun for fans.
“It’s one of the top three annual events for Lincoln,” said Mayor Rob Hulse. “It brings thousands of people to the town. It’s a big deal.”
This marks the 59th year for the Lincoln Rodeo event that is scheduled for each June. It begins with the annual square dance on the Lincoln square and ends with a Saturday filled with not only the usual rodeo events such as steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding but entertainment, crowning of the rodeo queen and a dance.
The event is sponsored each year by the Lincoln Riding Club.
“I really support the riding club,” said Chamber of Commerce President Kenneth Reeves. “I like what it does for the kids. It helps our businesses and helps our community pull together.
“What it does mostly is involve people who don’t just
do this for a hobby but its a way of life for them,” Reeves said. “They get to show off their skills at the rodeo.”
Reeves said visitors to Lincoln helps local businesses.
“I push shop local, buy Lincoln,” Reeves said. “There is an uptick in business in certain areas. It lets visitors see the town and its continued improvements.”
Hulse also expressed his gratitude for the riding club.
“We appreciate the people who do all the work,” Hulse said. “Anytime we bring people to town for an event, they are going to spend money in local businesses.”
He and Reeves agreed it also gives rodeo visitors an opportunity to become more familiar with Lincoln.
Other events of the year that bring visitors to town include the Arkansas Apple Festival and Lincoln Lake Festival, both held in the fall.