Perry County Rodeo sticks with tradition

By David Wilson ~ Southeast Missourian

The Perry County Rodeo Committee, along with the Perryville Chamber of Commerce, worked for two years to launch its first rodeo in 2001.

"They wanted to do it right the first time," said Jackie Wengert of the chamber of commerce.

In 2001, the Perry County Rodeo was voted the best new rodeo by the American Cowboy Rodeo Association.

"We must have done something right, because that was pretty cool," Wengert laughed.

The fourth annual Perry County Community Rodeo begins today at the East Perry Community Fair Grounds in Altenburg, Mo.

The seven-event championship IPRA/ACRA rodeo will feature more than 140 total riders from nine different states over two nights. Matt Cissell and Chad Perkins, both from Perryville, will participate in the event. Cissell is a bull rider and Perkins will participate in the team roping contest tonight. The riders will compete for $7,000 provided by the rodeo, plus the entry fees.

As for the entertainment, the committee hasn't changed much over the last four years. This year's edition will again feature prerodeo activities.

After the gates open at 5 p.m., 2004 Miss Rodeo USA Katie Woods will give out door prizes at 6:30. Children 10 and under will have an opportunity to compete in the Golden Calf Scramble at 7, with the rodeo to follow at 7:30.

The wild cow-milking contest will take place at intermission on both nights. The contest is not an official rodeo event, but the participants do compete for a cash prize. Each four-person team is assigned one "lively" cow and must milk the cow. The quickest team is awarded the prize.

Wengert says it's a wild event even for those not participating.

"They actually have some pretty wild cows," Wengert said.

Third Degree with Kevin Engert, a local band, will perform both nights following the rodeo.

Wengert said it's still pretty much the same rodeo as the successful first year.

"We've pretty well got it down pat now," Wengert said. "We kind of hate to change anything."