CROSSETT, Ark. – Each of the past two seasons, the Crossett Riding Club PRCA Rodeo has been recognized as one of the very best in the sport.
In 2012-13, the event has been nominated for Medium Size Rodeo of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and stands as one of just five rodeos its size to receive the honor. Organizers will try to surpass those awards during this year’s event, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6-Saturday, Aug. 9, at Cap Gates Arena in Crossett.
“There are three things that stand out to me on why that rodeo’s so great,” said Scott Grover, now in his sixth year calling the action. “There is a very hard-working committee that’s not afraid to change and that always wants to do something every year to make the rodeo better, whether it’s hiring the best acts or adding more money. They take this rodeo very seriously and the nomination very seriously.
“The committee is striving to win the rodeo of the year title, and having Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo is a big reason to that. Pete Carr is one of the premier stock contractors in the PRCA, and he always brings great stock. The third thing is that they care about hospitality, which is very important. The churches get involved and feed everyone at least twice a day.”
The Carr crew has produced the rodeo for a number of years, and staff members work hand-in-hand with committee members to make sure the event goes off well.
“Crossett is an outstanding rodeo, and we are excited to be part of it,” said Carr, owner of the Dallas-based livestock firm. “The fact that the rodeo has been nominated the past two years shows how much work they put into it.”
From handing out silver dollars to winning performers to having a large grand entry, the local organizers have proven how much they care about the little things that go on inside the arena.
“The rodeo is put on by the Crossett Riding Club, which has a huge tradition in Crossett and the surrounding areas,” Grover said. “This is like families that have been there for years on years on years.”
The great history is just one aspect of what it takes for fans to enjoy the overall rodeo experience. Crossett’s status in ProRodeo is a key reason why many of the sport’s brightest stars make their way to southern Arkansas in July.
But don’t discount the importance of great livestock, which is one reason why Carr was nominated as PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year in 2013.
“The whole rodeo company crew is very production savvy,” Grover said. “They understand what it takes to put on a fast show, an exciting show that fans want to continue to see.
“From top to bottom, what Pete has is solid with National Finals Rodeo and award-winning livestock, and that’s what attracts cowboys to Crossett.”
With great cowboys and top-flight action, the Crossett rodeo is attractive to fans.