Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

SWAR Fair, Rodeo Set At Month's End

With fair time here, those putting their animals in the various competitions are thinking about the Southwest Arkansas District Livestock Show and Rodeo.

September in Arkansas is fair month, culminating in early October with the Arkansas State Fair and Rodeo.

Before this, though, champions will be determined in the district show at Hope. The 54th annual SWAR District Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to be held Sept. 28 through Oct. 3, at Hope's Fair Park.

There will be plenty of activities for each and every member of the family when the event hits.

While the contestants are getting their animals ready for showing, other members of the clan can hit the midway and enjoy themselves on rides provided by Razorback Amusements.

According to Don Fuller, district secretary, there will be two giant rides at this year's carnival, with one being a new Wipeout. He hopes the other will be a new giant Zipper, but isn't sure at this time.

There will be between 26 and 28 rides on the grounds, possibly with a Star Trooper ride for visitors to sample.

And for those who prefer a bit of a gamble, there will be 55-60 gaming booths where patrons can try their luck and skill.

Nationally, Fuller said, gaming booths are down because the costs are up. However, this isn't a problem for the SWAR show, as it's one of the least expensive around for carneys.

But, there's much more to the fair than just games and rides. The SWAR District annually boasts one of the best rodeos in this part of the county and in the nation.

Again this year, Sam Andrews, from Bagwell, Texas, will be furnishing some of the meanest, roughest and nastiest livestock to set foot in an arena anywhere. Fuller said there will be National Final Rodeo caliber horses and bulls on hand to keep the audience on the edge of its collective seat.

One of the reason's the SWAR District rodeo is so successful is because it attracts top hands from across the United States. This is because it is part of the Dodge Series, with points earned counting toward a trip to Las Vegas and the NFR. Hope Auto is one of the rodeo sponsors.

The purse for this year's bull riding event will be more than $5,000, another reason bull riders are willing to risk their necks getting on an ill-tempered 2,000 pound beast. The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope is sponsoring this year's bull riding event.

Fuller said the district is only taking 60 bull riders, with 20 getting their shot nightly.

With several rodeos going on around the country, which cowboys show up will be determined by their schedules and subsequent health.

Fuller said if his schedule allows, Ty Murray, one of the nation's best bull riders, will come to Hope.

Other hands expected for the rodeo events include: Scott Mendes, Dan Mortensen and Joe Beaver.

In the calf roping event, two Arkansas boys are anticipated as contestants. Ricky Hyde, of Conway, and Bob Mayes, of Bee Branch, are currently in the top five as money winners for this event.

When the cowboys aren't being flung around the arena, or hanging onto a wild horse for dear life, Gizmo the Clown will provide plenty of family-oriented entertainment.

This former bull fighter decided his career would be much longer (with his health remaining stable) if he found another venue of work.

But, Gizmo, also known as Dale McCracken of Wheaton, Mo., didn't want to leave the rodeo circuit. So, he came up with a comedy clown act, traveling from coast to coast with it each year.

He began is career at the tender age of 15 when bull fighting was his dream.

Bullfighting, though, is a rough game and McCracken wound up with more broken bones and ruptured disks than he cared for.

Along with his comedy act, Gizmo will work as a barrelman and help out the clowns during bullfights. "I'm kinda the 9-1-1 person," he joked. "If they guy on the scene can't help, I'm on the phone."

He will be bringing the Dr. Giz Ambulance and something known as the Louisiana Sally Hot Sauce ride, along with such gimmicks as a Hawaiian golf act, Elvis Lives and a chicken rocket act.

The fun will kick off Tuesday, Sept. 29, with the annual downtown parade, followed by the fair queen contest and talent show. The midway will also open Tuesday night.

Armband/School Day will be Thursday, from 2-10 p.m. Armbands can be purchased for $10 in advance or $11 at the gate.

Thursday, Oct. 1, will also be Merchant's Night at the rodeo, with advance tickets being available for $3 and $5 from Double M, Harvest Food, First National Bank and Brookshire's. By purchasing rodeo tickets as these businesses, patrons can get admitted to the grounds for $1.

In addition, Fuller said, those buying armbands in advance will be admitted to the grounds at no charge.