Community, Rodeo Fans Gear Up For Week Of Western Festivities

The 2016 rodeo was memorable for the wet, muddy conditions endured by competitors, animals, spectators and entertainers, like the clown who tried to keep his shoes on his feet, not losing them in the muck of the arena. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

CLOWN — The 2016 rodeo was memorable for the wet, muddy conditions endured by competitors, animals, spectators and entertainers, like the clown who tried to keep his shoes on his feet, not losing them in the muck of the arena. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

Whether it is hosted in a mud pit because of late spring rains or in an arena so hot and dusty you can feel the grit in your teeth, one thing is sure: fans flock to the Oakdale Saddle Club annual PRCA Rodeo.

Now in its 66th year, the two days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo competition are scheduled for Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 this year, with the action at the Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds on East F Street wrapping up a busy rodeo week.

Here is a listing of events scheduled in the community and at the rodeo arena during the week.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Local team roping, featuring amateur ropers who live within 25 miles of Oakdale. Winners received a cash prize and a new belt buckle, along with some bragging rights for the year

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 (Sold out)

Cowgirl Luncheon at the Gene Bianchi Community Center draws in cowgirls of all ages, eager for the opportunity to enjoy lunch and be served in style by local cowboys, suited up in their best fitting jeans to pour champagne, wait tables and provide some eye candy for the appreciative crowd

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Arrest Your Boss, with ‘offenders’ picked up at their place of work, taken to the H-B Saloon and ‘jailed’ – they must raise money for their bail, with the money benefitting scholarship programs of the Chamber

Queen Coronation – The race for Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2017 come to a close with the crowning of the new queen. Festivities start at 6 p.m. at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum on East F Street and include the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce mixer, open to the community, with the new queen receiving her crown and title.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Timed event slack – 8 a.m. at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds, $2 admission

Come see the earliest competition of the weekend, events scheduled are team roping, tie down roping and steer wrestling

Barrel racing slack – 1 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds, $2 admission

Features local cowgirls in the fastest three turns in the arena, looking to post great times

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Timed slack event, Rodeo Grounds, continuation of Friday morning competition

Oakdale Rodeo Parade, 10 a.m., open to all, no charge

Find your spot along F Street to watch the annual rodeo parade, cheering for your favorite entries and sharing a parade wave with the many groups and organizations taking part in the festive event

PRCA Rodeo, Day One

1 p.m., $20 admission day of event, $15 pre-sale

Grand Entry followed by competition from steer wrestling to bull riding

Oakdale Rodeo Dance, Rodeo Grounds, 7 p.m.

Designed for those 21 and over only, $10 admission for the event featuring live music, dancing and adult beverages

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

Cowboy Church, Rodeo Grounds, 10 a.m.

No charge to attend; join Coy Huffman for a Sunday morning service, with many of the rodeo competitors also in attendance

PRCA Rodeo, Day Two

Grand Entry at 1 p.m., followed by competition

$20 at gate, $15 pre-sale tickets

Tickets are available at: