Circleville’s always been kind of “a horsey community.”
With annual horse shows, “raceos,” and occasional team roping jackpots, and the like, the Circleville Saddle Arena has hosted horse events for decades.
“Last year, we had a new endeavor, a full ledged rodeo that was so successful, we’re planning our second annual Circleville Rodeo, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9, starting at 8 o’clock each evening,” according to Susan Rollins, rodeo chairman for the Circleville Saddle Club.
“The rodeo is going to be double sanctioned by both the United Rodeo Association and the Interstate Rodeo Association with contestants expected to participate from throughout the Midwest,” Rollins said.
“There is added money to every event in the rodeo which will help increase the number and quality of contestants,” she stated.
Rodeo Rose Productions, owned and operated by Brent and Stella Larreau, Hershey, Neb., will again produce the rodeo, with Brent Larreau also to serve as one of the pickup men.
“Brent has a top string of bucking horses and produces several quality rodeos every year,” explained Rollins.
Speed event cattle are being leased by the rodeo producer, who also works closely with Kris Martin, owner of Walkin’ M Bull Company at Hoyt, supplier of the bucking bulls for Circleville’s action.
“Kris really has a top set of bucking bulls that cowboys want to draw, because they’ll win a check with a qualified ride,” credited Rollins, adding that Martin also hosts a number of jackpot bull riding competitions around the area.
In addition to the bull riding, and both categories of bronc riding, bareback and under association-saddle, there will be steer wrestling, and five divisions of roping: team heading-heeling, breakaway for youth and women, open tie-down and over-40 calf roping. Cowgirls’ barrel racing is also on tap for all ages.
“In order to get all of the younger generation involved in the rodeo, there will be a mutton busting, really a sheep riding contest, with entries open both nights,” Rollins said.
Obviously, it’ll be family entertainment at the Circleville Saddle Club Rodeo, and further verification of that is Rollin’s invitation: “We’ll have concessions on site, so bring your lawn chairs and completely enjoy the action. Camping is welcome, too, in order to make it a full weekend of family fun and relaxation.”
For a small community saddle club like Circleville to put on such a major attraction is no small endeavor and requires considerable support and cooperation from a wide area, along with the many local volunteers.
“We really appreciate all of that support, and we’re especially want to thank Jackson County Tourism and the new Bandita’s Western Barn for financial support in our diverse advertising campaign,” Rollins credited.
“This is our second year, and based on the first rodeo’s success, along with all of our planning, advertising and everything involved, we’re confident this will be even bigger and better. We’re going to have a great rodeo with large attendance. Make sure everybody comes,” welcomed Rollins, noting that gates open at 6 p.m.
Advance tickets for reduced prices are available at the new Bandita’s Western Barn and the Farmers State Bank, both in Holton.