Ranch Rodeo July 2 and 3 at Stone County Event Center

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Celebrate a piece of American heritage this holiday weekend at the Ranch Rodeo and BRI Bull Ride Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3. It takes place at the Stone County Event Center, 200 Ammabelle Lane, Galena (just off Hwy. 13 north of Branson West/Reeds Spring). This annual holiday event offers two full days of fun, as cowboys and cowgirls from several states including Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri showcase many of the skills that are all in a day’s work on America’s ranches.

Saturday activities kick off at 10 a.m. with barrel racing, followed by the Shodeo featuring eight events. Trick riders Lakota McAlister and Jeremiah Eugenio will perform prior to the 7 p.m. Saturday evening Ranch Rodeo, which includes Trailer Loading, Single Mugging, Branding, and Wild Cow Milking. Announcer for the event will be Junior Professional Bull Riding announcer Steve Binney.

In addition to watching the action, spectators can get in on the fun by participating in the Chicken Chase. Just as the name implies, live chickens are released into the arena and participants scramble over the fence for the opportunity to catch one—and to win the prize money attached to the chickens’ legs. There are separate categories for young children, tween/young teen kids, and adults.

Sunday activities get underway at 10 a.m. with the Cowboy Obstacle Challenge. According to Event Center marketing coordinator Darian Cesar, herself a rodeo enthusiast, spectators will be amazed by what these loyal, welltrained horses and their riders can accomplish. Sunday’s finale is the 8 p.m. bull riding, a Bull Riders Inc.-sanctioned event using professional-level stock.

Stone County Event Center opened in 2018, incorporating the former Blue Eye Saddle Club, and has become popular with cowboys and cowgirls from SW Missouri and beyond, hosting over 100 events last year. In addition to two Ranch Rodeo weekends, the Center hosts a Shodeo Saddle Series, 4D Barrel Racing, and a series of JPBR bull rides. Sponsorships are available at various levels, with plenty of visibility at the events and on social media.

The Center is also a popular birthday party destination offering pony rides, games and more. There are picnic tables and restrooms on site, as well as concessions including a great selection of breakfast and lunch items.

Mark your calendar now for the next Ranch Rodeo and BRI Bull Ride weekend, planned for September 3 and 4. During this Labor Day weekend event, Jason Pritchett will perform in concert following the Sunday evening bull ride, so country music fans won’t want to miss it.

Admission for the Ranch Rodeo and Bull Ride weekend is $10 per day, and children five and under are admitted free with an adult. Stay up-to-date on the fun by following the Stone County Event Center Arena page on Facebook, and visit www.stonecountyeventcenter.com.