SHINNSTON -- Gather the family, bring the blankets and lawn chairs and head on down to the ninth annual championship rodeo at the 4-T Arena in Shinnston.
The horses are saddled and the cowboys are ready to put on a show the weekend of July 6-8 beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The gates will open at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, the rodeo begins at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display will follow, said Trina Tucker, co-owner of the arena.
The arena is located one mile up Corbin Branch Road off state Route 73.
There will be seven rodeo events, including: Bareback, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, team roping and saddle bronc.
For the children, the mutton bustin' event (sheep riding) will take place every night.
"The first 100 children on Friday will receive a rodeo T-shirt," said Tucker, "and the first 100 children on Saturday will receive a Nickelodeon gift."
The rodeo offers the contestants the chance to win $2,400 in prize money.
"The cowboys come from as far as the East Coast and a few from the West," said Tucker. "This year we have around 175 contestants participating."
The admission on Friday and Saturday will be $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 12 and under. Children under 3 are admitted free.
On Sunday, the admission will be $15 for adults and $10 for children.
According to Tucker, there will also be food and souvenirs available.
For information on the rodeo, call 592-0703.
Staff writer Tina Canon can be reached at 626-1404 or by e-mail at tcanon@exponent-telegram.com
