SHRINE RODEO SET FOR MAY

Professional cowboys are slated to compete in Cape Girardeau May 22-24 during the second annual Cape Shrine Club Rodeo.

The rodeo will feature bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping and barrel racing.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Cape Shrine Club. Tickets for the event go on sale Monday.

Members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will be competing at Arena Park.

Marvin Meier, chairman of the rodeo, said, "We had 270 contestants last year. We hope to have at least that many this year.

"This is a good fundraiser for our organization, but it is also good for the community. We hope that the rodeo can become similar to the Sikeston rodeo.

In addition to the cowboy events, the Shrine club is sponsoring Rodeo Queen and Lil' Mr. and Miss Western contests. The contests will be held May 9 at West Park Mall. The deadline to enter is May 9.

Queen contestants must be ages 17-22 and be able to ride a horse. The Lil' Mr. and Miss contest is open to children ages 5-7.

"Part of our queen's responsibilities will be to promote the rodeo for next year," said Clay Hunter with the Shriners.

"We want all of Cape Girardeau County to become involved in the rodeo," Hunter said. "We would like merchants and businesses to take an entire week and dress in western clothes and really get behind this event."

A rodeo parade is also planned at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23, beginning at Capaha Park and ending at Arena Park. Shriners are looking for groups to enter the parade.

During intermission at the rodeo, a contracted performer will present a number of trained animal acts.

The rodeo begins each night at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for children in advance. Reserve seats cost $10. At the gate, tickets cost $12 for reserved seating, $9 for adults and $6 for children.

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

For ticket information, call 335-2700 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Monday.