Clayton to host pro rodeo

Special to The Tribune
Published: May 9, 2008

Rodeo is unlike any other sport.

It’s a two-hour, spine-tingling drama unlike anything else.

Maybe it’s the wild, hair-raising action that the saddle bronc and bull riders provide. It could be the sheer athletic prowess, determination and skill displayed by the steer wrestlers, team ropers and barrel racers.

Whatever it is, it will be on display today and Saturday at the 6th Annual Clayton Pro Rodeo Classic. The event will be held at the Barbour County Farm Center. Competition begins at 7 p.m. both nights.

While Clayton may be a small town, there’s nothing “small town” about the event. Last year’s event was chosen the best rodeo of the year by the Professional Cowboy’s Association.

The Clayton Pro Rodeo beat out 300 other events, which are sanctioned by the association.

3R Rodeo Company, owned by Dale and Linda Ray of Jemison, will provide the livestock for the competition.

Rodeo clown Slim Weeks will also be on hand, and Woody Woodruff will handle the emcee duties.

Proceeds from this year’s rodeo will benefit the Barbour County Firefighters’ Association, the Barbour County Emergency Response Team and the Barbour County Farm Center.

Advanced tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Tickets will be $10 for adults at the gate. Children under five will be admitted free of charge.

Tickets can be purchased at Hughes-Johnson Dodge in Ozark, the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce and the law office of Tom Kelly in Clayton.