Double D Arena

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Annual rodeo returns to Walterboro

Published Thu, May 1, 2008 12:00 AM
The Beaufort Gazette
 
WALTERBORO -- Some of the country's top ropers and riders will return to the Lowcountry this weekend for the annual rodeo at Double D Arena in Walterboro.
The International Professional Rodeo Association event starts at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and will feature bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, calf roping, cowgirl barrel racing, team roping and bull riding.

"It's going to be a great rodeo," director Tommie Derry said. "It's the only IRPA rodeo within 100 miles of Beaufort. You'll see competitors from all over the United States here competing and they're all professionals."

The rodeo has grown significantly in its 19 years. It started with just 2,500 spectators in 1989. This year, more than 12,000 are expected. Derry credits the rodeo's growing popularity to its family-friendly atmosphere.

It's alcohol-free, and on Friday, two children 12 and younger get in free with the purchase of each adult ticket ($15).

"It's wholesome entertainment the entire family can enjoy," Derry said. "It's three or four hours you can spend having fun with your children where you don't have to worry about somebody acting inappropriate."

The first event of the night will be bareback riding. Each rider will attempt to ride a bucking horse for eight seconds without touching the animal with one hand.

The second event will be steer wrestling, where a cowboy leaps from a horse at full gallop and takes a running steer to the ground.

The third event is saddle bronco riding, where riders attempts to hang on to a saddled horse for eight seconds. It will be followed by calf roping, where participants lasso a running calf from horseback, dismount and then tie three of its legs together. The fastest time wins.

The fifth event will be cowgirl barrel racing. Riders will navigate a three-barrel cloverleaf pattern on horseback, using tight turns and short bursts of speed trying to earn the fastest time.

The sixth event will be team roping, where two riders team up to lasso a steer as quickly as possible.

The final event -- bull riding -- is the most popular. Using only one hand, riders attempt to stay on the backs of huge bulls for eight seconds. Judges score performances to determine the winner.

"Everybody loves to watch the bull riding," Derry said. "It's man against beast. It takes a lot of guts."

Entertainment each night will be provided by Jerry Olsen, who puts on a show with his trained horse. Advance tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Prices the day of the rodeo are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Gates open at 6 p.m. each night.

For more information, go online to www.doubledarena.com or call 843-893-3894.

Details

What: Walterboro Rodeo

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Double D Arena, Walterboro

Tickets: 843-893-3894