Rodeo and Festival in Arcadia, Oklahoma

Never been to a rodeo you say? Not sure what to do over the Labor Day weekend? Want to spend some quality family time? Have I got a solution for you! Actually, Arcadia, Oklahoma has a solution for you-its 24^th Annual Heritage Festival and Rodeo.

Events for the rodeo include: Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Pony Express, and Junior Events. It's hard to beat the excitement of a rodeo, and watching these truly skilled riders of all ages is awe-inspiring. This rodeo is put on by the Circle "A" Rodeo Company of nearby Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Everything begins Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. At Arcadia Municipal Park with the Rhythm and Blues Music Festival. Admission is $10.00. Where else can you relax in the park to some great music and enjoy the ambiance of small town America at the same time? There will also be a street dance from 8:00 P.M. until midnight. That ought to interest young and old alike. If you don't feel like dancing, just kick back and relax to the music. It's all about good fun and relaxation.

Saturday, September 1st's events will be kicked off by a parade at 3:00 P.M. Lots of beautiful horses, among other things, will be in the parade. At 4:30 P.M., there's a car show and at 6:00 P.M. a talent show. Rodeo activities begin at 7:00 P.M. with the Pony Express preliminaries, then the rodeo officially starts at 8:00 P.M. Admission fees are $8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7-12; kids six years of age and under are free and there is plenty of free parking.

On Sunday, vendor booths at the rodeo area open at noon. The booths will also be open for Saturday's events. There's fare of just about every kind, but I suggest you try at least one of the bar-b-q booths to savor some of the local flavor. You won't be disappointed.

As for Sunday's events, everything begins with a Gospel Extravaganza at the St. James A.M.E. Church on Main Street at 4:00 P.M. The church won't be hard to find-just look for all the cars-and if you get there late, I bet you'll be able to hear the music outside as well.

At 7:00 P.M. there will again be the Pony Express preliminaries, with the Rodeo starting at 8:00 P.M. Lest you think the preliminaries for the Pony Express is tame fare, suffice it to say those teams are riding just as hard in the prelims as they do for the rodeo-it's all about qualifying in a good spot.

Race fans of stock cars and the like-the Pony Express will amaze you. Riders and their horses go all out to win these events and they do it with no roll cages or safety belts to keep them in place. There is plenty of excitement to all the events, but I have to admit my personal favorite is the Pony Express. If you get the chance to check it out, let me know what you think.

More information about the weekend's events can be obtained by calling (405)396-2899 or stopping by 66 Lake Stop, the little convenience store on Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma.

Arcadia is located north of Oklahoma City on I-35. Just take the #141 exit and go six miles east on Highway 66. While in Arcadia, you might also want to stop and check out the historic Old Round Barn (children will recognize it from the movie Cars) and perhaps POPS66, the newest icon on historic Route 66.