Today may mark the beginning of a long-term tradition in Conway.
The rodeo's coming to town for the next two days, as many cowboys and cowgirls from across the country will gather at the Don Owen Sports Complex for a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association event sponsored by the Log Cabin Democrat. It's something those associated with the event can become a recurring event.
"I'm hoping we have 10, 15 or 20 thousand," rodeo promoter Nikki Murdock said. "You never know with it being the first year. If things go well and we sell it out, we'll plan on having it next year and as many years as we can after that."
The performances start are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night.
Seven events will be featured, with six of those being men's events. Barrel racing is the lone women's competition.
Events for spectators are planned, as well. One of the most notable is the $500 calf scramble for kids 12 and under. Funny man Cody Sosebee will also be featured.
"It's going to be great family entertainment," Murdock said. "They'll be able to watch professional-league talent and professional-league livestock. ... There's going to be great athletes man and beast alike. It's going to be an entertaining show."
Several current or former world champions will also be participating. Brittany Pozzi-Pharr and Steven Dent are both sitting near the top in the standings, and they'll be joined by several local athletes.
"There will be a lot of talent," Murdock said. "We're going to showcase our central Arkansas champions."
Many of those will be favored to win their events. As is the case in many sports, the winner's are sometimes hard to pick.
"It's anybody's guess," Murdock said. "Someone can get bucked off their horse. It's going to be a great contest.
Murdock said she's been for four months to get all things together. That's included finding sponsors willing to give financial assistance to make everything possible.
But it all comes together for one major goal.
"We hope to bridge the gap between spectators, cowboys and sponsors," Murdock said. "We want to get people interested in rodeos, and when they see other rodeos coming up, they'll say, 'Hey, let's go see that.'
"We hope to have this every year. It's real important to have something here in central Arkansas."
Tickets for the rodeo are $8 for adults and $6 for kids 7-12. Ages six and under are admitted free. T-shirts are also available for $12. They'll be available for $10 at the Log Cabin Democrat office today.
