This year’s rodeo is once again sanctioned by the Professional Cowboy’s Association (PCA) and is sure to draw the best cowboys and cowgirls from the surrounding states. Organizers expect local talent to attend also including Mike Christmas from Uniontown, Denny Franklin of Vance and Herbert Theriot of Poplarville, Miss.

The smallest contestants will be featured in the Little Wrangler Contest and Gold Rush for boys and girls ages 2-10 at7:15 each evening.

All contestants will win a ribbon and get to ride on a truck around the arena!

Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronco Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping and of course, Bull Riding will be featured each night.

Another popular event on Saturday is the Steer Dressing Contest. Teams of three compete against each other with untamed steers to see whose steer crosses the finish line first with his pants on!

Concessions, vendors, gift items and a chance to ride the mechanical bull are also part of this weekend. The flag presentation by the Country Girl Express Flag Team from Autaugaville will kick off the rodeo each night. In addition door prizes will be awarded.

Another special event this year is the parade through the town of Marion at noon on June 12. Everyone is invited to either ride in the parade or come and watch.

The Marion Rodeo Committee uses proceeds from the rodeo to honor an individual or group that has contributed to the life ofPerryCounty. Numbers of people have been honored with donations to charity, and the Marion Cemetery and the Marion Police Department have been given grants in the past.

Proceeds this year will fund new equipment for the Judson College equestrian program.

For more information, call Jennifer Hoggle at 683-4004 or Nancy Mooney at 683-9155.