Rodeo Is this Weekend
The 23rd annual Shady Dale Rodeo will be held this weekend in Shady Dale—at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, and a rodeo festival and parade will also be part of Saturday’s events. The festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the parade is at 3 p.m.
The rodeo is associated with the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA). The stock producer is Oubre Stock Company.
“The image of rodeo as a wholesome, family type sport of the American west is unexcelled,” said the IPRA announcement. “The IPRA has been providing rodeo excitement for more than 40 years. From big cities to small towns, from major league stadiums to portable arenas, the IPRA is keeping the spirit of the west alive.”
One advantage of the IPRA is that local contestants can easily join the competition. In addition, the IPRA is the largest rodeo association east of the Mississippi, which equates to having more contestants.
The Oubre Rodeo Company, operated by Bubba and Becky Oubre, is the pro rodeo stock contractor being used this year. Mr. Oubre had a 20-year career in rodeo before turning from contestant to contractor.
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After winning the American Cowboy Association Bull Riding Championship in 1976, and the Saddle Bronc Championship in 1977, Mr. Oubre began producing rodeos all over the Southeast. With the help of his wife, Becky, and son, Matt, Mr. Oubre now produces some 20-25 rodeos annually in the southeast.
Sid McFarland of Montgomery, Ala., is the rodeo clown. He got his start clowning in 1969 when he asked one of the veteran clowns at a rodeo if he could use some help.
He has rodeoed from coast to coast—from Madison Square Garden in New York to the Cow Palace in San Francisco, Calif. After spending years on the pro circuit, Mr. McFarland gave up the full time pursuit of the sport to take up the life of a family man, according to his biography.
He made his home in Cody, Wy., where he rodeoed during the summer months at the world famous Cody Nite Rodeo, the longest consecutive running rodeo in the world.
The years spent in Wyoming taught Mr. McFarland a profound respect for the western way of life and the life of the American cowboy. After several years away from the world of rodeo, Mr. McFarland missed the excitement. He decided to return.
He is now a professional fire fighter with the Montgomery, Ala. Fire Department, and rodeos primarily in the southeastern region of the United States.
Several years ago he purchased one of professional rodeo’s feature comedy acts, and improved it, assuring audience they will be seeing one of the most colorful and exciting acts in rodeo today.
Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy this annual event, say the Masons with the Walton Masonic Lodge #200 and the Jasper County Lodge #50.
All proceeds benefit Masonic charities, with several local college scholarships offered in addition to the many nationwide Masonic charities.
Admission to the rodeo is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages four to 10, and free for those under four. Friday is family night, so all children under 10 are admitted free when accompanied by two paying adults.
Shady Dale is located eight miles north of Monticello on Hwy. 83. Everyone is urged to arrive early for a good seat. There will be lots of concessions available, from full meals to special sweet treats provided by the Jasper County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.