Dopps rodeo tickets now on sale

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A calf roper drops his loop and prepares to wrap up his calf in this photo from a previous Dopps rodeo.

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo, which will be held June 28-29 at Optimist Park in Mountain Home.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event brings some of the top rodeo performers in the region to try their hand against the stock of renowned contractor Slash T.

The rodeo was created in memory of Daniel Dopps, a local high school rodeo star who died while riding bulls shortly after he turned pro in 2005. With the sponsorship of a number of local businesses, the added money event has grown to become a key stop on the PRCA rodeo circuit.

Activities actually begin on Thursday, June 27, with a Rodeo Tailgate Party at the El Rancho parking lot, sponsored in part by Kurly's Sports Bar and Grill, across the street. Fans will be able to meet with performers in a relaxed atmosphere during the event, which begins at 6 p.m.

Rodeo events themselves begin with a calf scramble at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, June 28 and 29. Sign-ups for the event are at 6:45 p.m.

The main rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Jeff Palmer band will provide dance music in the arena and surrounding grounds each night after the rodeo.

Friday is Pink Shirt Night. Along with the performers, those attending are asked to wear pink to signify their support for cancer research.

Saturday is Military Appreciation Night. "Please wear your Red, White & Blue to show your support for our men and women who serve our country," a rodeo spokesperson said.

Tickets are available at the Sinclair Sunset C or D&B Supply in Mountain Home. They also can be obtained online or at the gate.

The cost is $10 for adults or $5 for children ages 6-12. Those 5 and under are admitted free.

A special Family Pack for Friday's rodeo allows two adults and two children in at a cost of only $25.