KAYCEE, Wyo. -- This year's Deke Latham Memorial PRCA Rodeo July 20-22 won't just showcase the world's top cowboys and the hottest up-and-comers as they test their skills against broncs and bulls.
A jackpot chicken-roping competition Friday evening to benefit the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund will pair the top steer ropers in the world standings with local kids. The Cowboy Crisis Fund gives financial assistance to injured rodeo cowboys and cowgirls and their families. It'll be good fun for a good cause, and sponsorship, which is tax-deductible, is being sought.
More chicken roping action takes place starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
The rodeo at the Harold Jarrard Park has always drawn the top cowboys in the world standings -- particularly in the steer-roping division. A rookie bronc-riding competition held during the steer-roping slack starting at 6 p.m. Friday night will feature some of the best amateur talent in rodeo country.
The rodeo kicks off with a free barbecue at 5 p.m. Friday sponsored by Ed's Body Shop, street dances Friday and Saturday nights, and a cow dog expo featuring local favorites at the end of the rodeo Sunday afternoon.
Daily admission to the rodeo is $8; advance season tickets are $20. For ticket information, call (307) 738-2431.
The schedule follows:
Friday, July 20
5 p.m. -- Free barbecue;
5 p.m. -- Benefit chicken roping
6 p.m. -- Single steer-roping slack
6 p.m. -- Rookie bronc-riding
Saturday, July 21
3 p.m. -- Parade through downtown Kaycee
5 p.m. -- Barbecue to benefit Kaycee School's Close-Up Club
5 p.m. -- Chicken-roping competition
7 p.m. -- PRCA rodeo
Sunday, July 22
2 p.m. -- PRCA rodeo
Cow Dog Expo following the rodeo