SHRINERS PLAN RODEO ON MAY 3-5

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Marvin Meier figures if the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is good enough for Ronald Reagan, it's good enough for Cape Girardeau.

"The rodeo that will take place in Cape Girardeau will have the same stock man who put on a show for Ronald Reagan in 1983," noted Meier, who is chairman of the Cape Shriners rodeo committee.

"John Walter will provide the stock and all of the additional ingredients that you need to put on a first-class rodeo."

The Cape Shriners will hold their first rodeo May 3-5 at Arena Park. "We held team roping at the Arena Park last year," said Meier. "It was successful enough for us to look into putting on an entire rodeo here this year. We're hoping this will become an annual event that will help the community as well as the Shriners."

The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The PRCA sanctions rodeos in 42 states within the U.S. and four of the 10 Canadian provinces.

"This is the same circuit that holds its finals in Las Vegas at the end of the year," noted Meier. "The total PRCA prize money offered in 1990 was $18,163,063."

Added Meier, "Some of the best cowboys in the country will be competing in our rodeo."

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

"Barrel racing will be the only event in which women will compete," said Meier.

Area merchants will sponsor each event. "The Shriners have to guarantee $5,200," said Meier.

Tickets for the event are $7 for adults and $4 for children if purchased in advance. Those who purchase tickets at the gate will pay an additional dollar.

Meier indicated tickets will be available March 15 at local stores. "You can get tickets from stores in the area or by contacting any Shriner," said Meier.