SHRINE CLUB RODEO DESTINED FOR GREATNESS; PRCA-SANCTIONED EVENT SET NEXT WEEKEND IN CAPE

The Cape Shine Club Rodeo will come to town next weekend, and though the event is only in its second year, organizers hope it's the start of something big.

"We hope it grows every year and becomes as big as the annual Sikeston rodeo that's known across the United States," said Jess Hoppel of the Cape Shrine Club.

The rodeo, scheduled May 22-24, is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Members of the PRCA will compete at the Arena. More than 270 contestants will participate.

About 1,200 people attended the rodeo each night last year, Hoppel said. Proceeds benefit the Shrine Club.

"We hope to get the community more involved each year, too," Hoppel said. "With the parade and lots of events to entertain the kids, it's really a family affair."

A rodeo parade is planned for 2 p.m. May 23, beginning at Capaha Park and ending at Arena Park.

Several community groups will participate in the parade, and, of course, so will the Shrine Club clowns.

The Shrine Club raises money for Shriners' hospitals across the country. The rodeo funds annual events for the Shriners to raise money.

Hoppel said the reason Shriners hope the Cape Girardeau rodeo becomes as large as the one in Sikeston is because its good for the local economy as well as a good source of entertainment.

"It brings in people from across the country," he said. "And its an annual event that the community can look forward to.

"We have out-of-state rodeo professionals and stock people, and I think it brings in a lot of spectators from other communities."

At least half of the rodeo events will be geared toward kids. Hoppel said one favorite of young audiences is watching a monkey ride a 55-pound sheep dog around the arena herding sheep.

"There is also a big, black stallion that performs," he said. "The kids really like that."

The Shrine Club clowns are also a big hit with the kids, he said. "We'll have clowns all over the place."

Events include bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping and barrel racing. Trained animal acts are scheduled for the intermissions.

Food vendors will be set up outside the A.C. Brase Arena Building, and other vendors will be inside, he said.

In all, about 50 Shrine Club members participate in some way in the rodeo, he said.

The rodeo begins each night at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. Reserve seats cost $10. At the gate, reserve seat tickets are $12 and general seating tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children.

Tickets are available at Schnucks, Bob's Shoe Service, Food Giant, Shop and Save, Del Farm, Wal Mart in Cape Girardeau, Sparkman's Circle S Western Store in Scott City, Ferrell's Western Wear and Linda's Western Wear in Sikeston and all Towne and Country Stores.

For further ticket information, call the ticket office at 335-2700.

A queen contest for the rodeo and a Lil' Mr. and Miss Western contest have been canceled.