RODEO STIRRUPS SUPPORT: PERRY COUNTY'S FIRST COMMUNITY RODEO BEGINS FRIDAY

ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Perry County is trying its first community rodeo on for size, and it feels big.

"I'm not sure we knew that this was going to be such a huge endeavor," said Jackie Wengert, president of the Perry County Chamber of Commerce.

Permanent bleachers for 1,000 spectators are being built on the East Perry County Fairgrounds, and additional bleachers for up to another 700 will get temporary use. If anyone wants to bring lawn chairs, space will be available, too, Wengert said.

With increased community cooperation and help from outsiders with rodeo experience, cowboys from within a 100-mile radius are expected to kick off the two-day competition Friday evening.

The idea of a rodeo has been discussed for a few years, but last year three county organizations decided to take the task seriously. The chamber joined with members of the East Perry County Jaycees and the Perry County Fair Board to examine their options.

"We were just looking to make a community event that kids and adults could both do," said Diane Geile, a member of the rodeo's organizing committee.

The chamber saw rodeo as an additional fund-raiser alongside Mayfest. Mobilizing the hundreds of volunteers needed to operate food stands, sell tickets, serve as ushers and keep order in the parking area has taken the most effort, Wengert said.

"It's hard to get so many volunteers again so soon after Mayfest," she said.

Once the rodeo theme was finalized, members of the organizing committee set out to learn about the sport.

"We started going to rodeos all over the country," Wengert said.

She attended her first rodeo last January in Oklahoma City, Okla. It was the world championships for the International Professional Rodeo Association. Wengert said she remembered to wear a pair of cowboy boots, but forgot a hat.

"I bought one while I was there," she said.

Besides assistance with attire, Wengert said rodeo officials were helpful in helping her get organized through a two-day conference that preceded competitions.

Committee members also visited Sikeston's rodeo for tips, she said.

"It's amazing how much you can learn when you don't know anything," Wengert said.

Mark Boardman, who owns Flickerwood Arena in Jackson, Mo., offered his advice to Perry County organizers. Boardman has overseen rodeos at his arena since 1994.

"I just helped them to decide on what they needed for the caliber of rodeo they wanted," Boardman said.

Although cowboy contestants won't be known until after a one-day registration is complete today, Boardman expects that several members of the International Professional Rodeo Association and American Cowboy's Rodeo Association will attend.

Seven events will be featured: bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, calf roping and bull riding.

A calf scramble for children under 10 and an event called wild cow milking will also take place.

Spaces in the seven main events are also being saved for local talent, Boardman said.

"We'll have a fine caliber of competition," he said. "It'll show that you don't have to be from Oklahoma or Texas to rodeo."

WANT TO GO?

What: Perry County Community Rodeo

When: Starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: East Perry County Fairgrounds in Altenburg, Mo.

Cost: $6 for adults in advance, $8 at gate

$3 for children in advance, $4 at gate

More information: Call Perry County Chamber of Commerce at (573) 547-6062.