The highly anticipated third season of the PAC Midwest Rodeo will open Saturday. Event organizers expect the six upcoming rodeos will keep increasing in attendance as more people discover the fun found in Crawfordsville.
“When we started this three years ago we did not know what to expect,” organizer Glen Price said. “We have seen it grow every year and it has become a true family fun event. We want families to come and just chill out and have a good time.”
Price said the first rodeo drew a crowd of 300 people. At the end of last season the crowd exceeded 2,000 in attendance.
Each rodeo begins at 6 p.m. However, some fans start showing up in the early morning to claim a seat in their favorite section.
Parking is free and fans stroll around the large vendor area before, during and after each rodeo.
“Our vendor area is like a county fair,” Price said. “We have all kinds of food and booths selling everything from rodeo gear, clothing, jewelry, hats and boots. We even have one guy who shows up who offers cowboy hat cleaning right on the spot.”
PAC also has games for children during rodeo events. Children can win prizes.
Rodeo competitors compete for cash prizes totaling $16,000. Many athletes come from the local area as well as several other states. Some of the athletes travel from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kentucky and Michigan.
Competition includes all ages and both men and women. While there is no age limit, there is a weight limit for contestants.
Mutton busters ride sheep, but riders cannot exceed 60 pounds. Calf riding has a limit of 110 pounds. Junior bulls are for riders 18 and older. The bulls weigh approximately 1,600 pounds. Bull riding is for adults and will include more aggressive bulls than what the junior bull riders use.
Other events include: chute doggin’, barrel racing, team roping and steer wrestling.
Local resident Jordan Banta, who has been involved with state and national rodeo competitions since he was a North Montgomery student, is glad to have a nearby rodeo event. Banta not only competes but also can be found at the event helping organizers with the operation.
“I love rodeos and we are very fortunate to have our rodeo here in Crawfordsville,” Banta said. “Everyone has fun at the rodeo and I am glad to be a part of it.”.
Price appreciates Banta and everyone who helps with the rodeos.
“Jordan is good at steer wrestling but he also is a part of our team that helps put on the rodeo,” Price said. “We really are one big family.”
New at the facility this season is a concert series. PAC Rodeo has partnered with local music sound engineer Rich Bell to bring in bands. This year the bands include classic rock and country western genres.
The concert series begins May 17 with recording artist Henry Lee Summer and with special guest Bodacious.
This season emphasis was placed on contracting with local bands and bands from Nashville, Tennessee and Texas.
Fans can bring coolers to the rodeo events. They also are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers will not be allowed at concerts.
Children age 10 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets are $20 if purchased online and $25 at the gate.
For more information and to buy tickets visit www.pacmidwestrodeo.com.
