Princess Queen

Halee Hoobler

Age 14

Linda & Lonnie Hoobler

Raegan Frachiseur

Age 14

Katrina & the late Jeremy Frachiseur

Ashlyn Houser

Age 16

Matthew & Gena Esser

Senior Queen

Kinlee Stivers

Age 17

Kelli & Reece Midgett

Cheyanne Windham

Age 12

Annie & Patrick Windham

Brandy Pearson

Brenlei Mirus

Age 14

Kayla Walston & James Mirus

Rodeo RODEO

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First off, Friday at 9 a.m. is the Handicapable Rodeo at the Polk County Fairgrounds. If you’ve never attended, either to participate or simply to watch, you’re missing out. The smiles that light up on so many faces when riding a horse, practice roping, doing the hayride and more will make you smile.

Strother said, “It’s free to any participant and anyone who wants to come out and watch. This will be our 22nd year to do the handicapable rodeo for the mentally and physically challenged. We say Polk County but we take them from Howard and Sevier counties, and whoever wants to come.”

Strother had a son born with hydrocephalus, whom she lost. “The handicapable rodeo holds a special place in my heart. We’re told some of the participants don’t ever talk or smile. Then when they are around the horses, it opens them up to a new world. They begin to smile or talk.

“They look forward to it every year. I see those who come to the handicapable rodeo around town and they’ll see me and ask when will the rodeo come around this year. They get excited.

“We appreciate all the volunteers and sponsors for helping make the event a success.

Friday night is also Senior Citizens’ Night for those 65 and older. They get the discounted rate of $4 to enter.

Saturday night the royalty winners will be introduced to the crowd.

For both Friday and Saturday evening, the Mutton Bustin’ starts at 7:30. Contestants need to be signed in by 7:15. It’s for anyone 60 pounds or less.

Also occurring both nights is the junior barrels for ages 18 and under. Contestants enter when they arrive.

Many vendors will be returning this year, as well as a couple of new vendors. Strother welcomes the crowd to come out and shop early for western decor, caps and hats, jewelry, purses, art and more.

70th anniversary

“This is the 70th annual Polk County Rodeo,” Strother said. “It’s a milestone for us. Just for that, we’ll be giving away door prizes both nights. There will be 8 to 10 door prizes for things such as Cinch jean certificates, local eateries, haircuts and more. If you pay to get in the gate, you’ll be eligible to win.”

It’s not all adults getting in on the fun. Besides Mutton Bustin’, the kids can participate in the nightly money scrambles for cash. One scramble will be for ages 6 and under. There will also be a scramble for ages 7-12.

What’s new?

“Something new this year we’re going to do is called the Money the Hard Way for the Ladies,” Strother said. “Women 18 and older can participate. We’ll be tying a ribbon around a wild pony’s neck. The first lady to get the ribbon successfully off the neck and get back to the [finish line] will win $50. They have to have a piece of ribbon in their hand.”

“Another new event for us is a Cowboy/Cowgirl Rescue Race. It will be a team of two people. One person will be on horseback at one end of the arena while the other person will be at the other end of the arena. The person on horseback will race to the other end, pick up their partner and race back. This will be a timed race.”

The race seems similar to a barrel pick-up race, but Strother was not certain if a barrel will be involved or not at this point.

What else will be new this year? If you saw the poster for this year’s rodeo, you might have noticed the Coors logo. “For the first time, you’ll be able to buy cold beer at the rodeo. We have a temporary permit.” You

Chelsea Garrison of Mena was the sixth winner of the family fourpack of Magic Springs Theme and Water Park tickets. She and her daughter Ember were excited to win. Her name was selected from our eight sponsors. Garrison was signed up for the contest at The Shop at the Foot of the Hill. See the Magic Springs ad on this page for details and sponsor locations. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)