Published: June 11, 2008 09:34 pm      

Kiwanis-Rotary Rodeo riding into Pulaski for third straight year

For two years now, Pulaski County has roped up some family fun when the Broken Horn Rodeo comes riding into town. This weekend, the bulls, broncs and barrels of fun are back.

Sponsored by two local civic organizations, the Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club, the third-annual international pro rodeo will be held Saturday at the Pulaski County Fairgrounds starting at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s just (a chance to see) good, family activities,” said Debbie Long, a member of both clubs who is serving as spokesperson for the efforts to bring the popular rodeo event back to this community.

Seven professional events highlight the rodeo, including bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, cowgirl’s barrel race, tram roping and bull riding. Top-quality timed event cattle are participating, along with rank finals-caliber horses and bulls.

“I think (the crowd) really enjoys the bronc riding events,” said Long. “It keeps them on their toes. People are very enthralled by that.”

Want to get a close-up look at the animals? Come early — gates open at 5:30 p.m. The bulls will be out for pre-show viewing, providing the perfect warm-up for the big show,

There will also be children’s games and the promise of door prize giveaway bounty. Vendors will be aplenty, so anyone inspired to get into the mood can stop and pick up some rodeo apparel.

Rest assured, money raised by the host organizations goes for good causes, said Long. The Rotary Club uses funds for local community enrichment efforts and the Kiwanis Club tends to put the money toward scholarships.

Additionally, ice cream will be sold thanks to God’s Food Pantry, which will benefit from those proceeds.

If your sweet tooth would rather have a hearty rodeo meal, there will also be cheeseburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks available for purchase.

“Come out early enough to see the animals, grab some dinner, and watch the rodeo,” encouraged Long.

The event will be held rain or shine, and organizers are hoping for a big crowd. Last year, there was close to 5,000 present, said Long; she anticipates possibly topping that number this time.

That can be done by buying tickets. Tickets are $10 at the gate, but discount tickets will be available in advance until Friday and can be purchased at the offices of the Commonwealth Journal, Cumberland Valley National Bank on South U.S. 27, the Dairy Queen location on U.S. 27, Monticello Bank on East Ky. 80, South Kentucky Rural Electric, First Southern National Bank, Reno’s, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Reno’s, the steakhouse restaurant in Burnside, will also be featuring a special treat — a mechanical bull. From 7-9 p.m. tonight, those interested in trying their luck — or skills — on the wildly bucking contraption will get their chance by signing a waiver and paying $5. Long noted that it would be a good chance for rodeo fans to get a feel for what the real thing is like.

The rodeo is owned and operated by Jim McElroy of Ripley, Ohio, and his family, who have been involved in the horse industry for over 30 years. It was started in 1991 and performs all across the central and eastern parts of the country.

It is the second largest pro-rodeo association in the world, taking part in rodeos at Madison Square Gardens, Kansas City, and Fort Worth, Tex., on occasion. There are usually 100 to 150 contestants at the rodeo, including a number of champions and top world finishers. The program also includes a clown performance, and usually lasts over two hours.