Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

SW District Fair Begins In Hope

By JOHN MILLER

September in Arkansas means three things.

First, it means the summer solstice is soon giving way to the Autumnal equinox. This, in turn, means cooler weather and the start of hunting season being just around the corner.

Second, September means high school football season is starting, with another year of hopes being laid on the line.

And last, but certainly not least, it means the Southwest Arkansas District Livestock Show and Rodeo in Hope.

This year, according SWAR District Secretary Don Fuller, the fair and rodeo will be bigger and better than ever.

The SWAR Fair and Rodeo is scheduled for Sept. 23-27 in Hope's Fair Park, with the rodeo to be held in the Coliseum Sept. 25-27.

Once again, the Sammy Andrews Rodeo Company, of Bagwell, Texas, will supply some of the meanest rodeo livestock to hit any arena. Fuller said Andrews will be bringing in bulls he had in the National Finals Rodeo, held in December in Las Vegas, Nev.

And, again this year, the rodeo will be a Dodge rodeo, co-sponsored by Hope Auto Co., with the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope putting up additional money for the bull riding event.

In fact, Fuller said the SWAR rodeo will have the largest purse in the southwest part of the nation.

He said between 40 and 50 bull riders are expected to enter this year's event. Several of these riders are anticipated to be ranked in the top 15 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA).

Along with the larger purse in bull riding, Fuller said all other events have had their purses increased by $1,000, including the barrel races. This, he said, should attract even more of the top rodeo hands across North America.

Andrews will also be bringing in his NFR horses from 1996 and the ones nominated for the 1997 NFR.

Rudy Burns, also known as the "Crazy Cajun", will be featured entertainer during breaks in the rodeo. For the past two years, Burns has been the NFR's "Man in the Can."

Along with Burns, the husband-wife team of Leon and Vicki Adams will being their horse and bull act to the center stage. During his performance, Leon Adams rides two bulls, each weighing a ton.

Fuller said last year's barrel racing event had 10 of the top 15 riders in the nation coming to Hope. With the added purse money, all 15 top riders may venture to the SWAR District Rodeo to try their hand at winning the big bucks.

Along with the money, all cowboys and cowgirls entered are vying for vital points which can propel them into the NFR this December in Las Vegas, where they will compete for world championship status.

Fuller said Joe Beavers and Freddy Whitfield, two world class calf ropers competed in Hope last year, with Beavers praising the way the rodeo was handled.

According to Beavers, the SWAR rodeo has one of the best arenas, some of the best sponsors and is promoted in much the same manner as the NFR.

Whitfield, the World Champion All Around Cowboy for 1995-96, also enjoyed the way the SWAR district works and plans to return to the arena again this year, Fuller said.

The SWAR arena and the NFR arena are virtually identical, Fuller said. The lone exception is the color of the gates for the chutes. The NFR has yellow gates, while the SWAR utilized gray ones.

But there's more to the SWAR District Fair and Rodeo than just the action in the arena.

Razorback Amusements will again be providing the rides for thrill seekers of another kind, Fuller said. They will be bringing the Thunderbolt as one of the four spectacular rides added to the midway.

In fact, Fair Park will be filled with rides and games, practically something for everyone. Fuller said there will be nine or 10 kiddie rides, including four or five new ones to delight the younger participants.

There will also be about 60 game booths where those visiting the SWAR Fair and Rodeo can try their hands at winning various prizes. Fuller said there will also be new game booths coming to the show for the first time.

But that's not all. Yes, fans, there's more to come.

The whole shebang begins Tuesday evening with the annual parade through downtown Hope. Fuller said the parade will follow its traditional route. Once the parade is over, the midway and carnival open, but the real spectacle will be in the Coliseum.

This is where the Miss SWAR District Fair Queen Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. Contestants from the 15 counties comprising the SWAR district will be on hand to see who represents the district at the Arkansas State Fair in October. Along with the Miss SWAR Fair Queen pageant, the Little Miss pageant and talent show will be held Tuesday night.

Tuesday night is also family night at the carnival, with the price of the rides being reduced.

All livestock must be in place by 6 p.m. Wednesday in order to be judged for the various livestock divisions. This includes the new entry division for goats at the show.

Additionally, Wednesday is the day for the added 4D Open Jackpot Barrel Race in the Coliseum arena. This event is open to anyone interested, with the purse going to the top five finishers in each division. Buckles will also be given to each division winner. Fuller said the estimated total purse will be $4,000. Contestants from several states are expected for this event.

The books for the race open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, with the entry fee $35. All horses must have negative coggins testing.

There will be an official dress code and the race will be conducted under the National Barrel Horse Association rules.

Fuller said he wouldn't be surprised if some of the barrel racers from the rodeo don't enter this event.

Thursday is armband day at the fair. For $9 in advance, those with the bands get in the gate free and can ride the rides from 2-10 p.m. until they can no longer see straight.

At 8 o'clock the rodeo begins with the traditional spectacle of the grand entry parade. Those interested in attending the rodeo can purchase advance tickets for $5 and get a coupon for $1 off for entry onto the grounds. Tickets at the gate will cost $8.

This year's rodeo will also feature an interesting sight as Mike Mathis, the NFR announcer and public relation's man for Dodge, will announce the rodeo from horseback in the arena during the events.

Friday night sees a free country music show with an area band performing in front of the Coliseum on the stage.

Saturday is the final night of the rodeo and also features a free concert by James T. Horn, who is on the same label as teen country sensation LeAnn Rimes. Fuller said Horn will have his newest album released in September as well.

This still isn't everything. The horticulture, canned goods, potted plants, silk plant arrangements and arts and crafts show will also keep people busy.

Fuller said there were more than 70 potted plants entered last year with more expected for the '97 event. These entries need to be brought in Sunday