Saddle up for Cowboy Classic

The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will be filled with cowboys and bull riding as the Cowboy Classic Pro Rodeo happens this weekend. Want to go?

What: Cowboy Classic Pro Rodeo
When: 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave.
Admission: $15 for reserved tickets, $12 for general admission, $6 for kids ages 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at Price Cutter Stores and PFI Western. Get $2 off the ticket price at the door with canned goods to donate to Ozarks Food Harvest.

Rick Chaffin of L and R Productions said the rodeo provides not only good family entertainment but revenue for the community.

"It has a big economical impact when people come to spend money in Springfield," Chaffin said. "We'll draw audiences from about a 60-mile radius."

In addition to the cowboys participating in the events, there will be other entertainment, Chaffin said.

"We will also have entertainer Dusty Myers," he said. "He has been rodeo clown of the year for the past two years."

Chaffin said the rodeo, which has been in Springfield for the last 17 years, should be good entertainment for families.

There will also be incentives for kids who go to the rodeo, Chaffin said.

"There will be a kids' dash for cash," he said. "We put a bunch of nickels out in middle of the arena and the kids just go for it. Then, at the matinee we have free cowboy hats for kids, provided by Dr Pepper."

The rodeo will also benefit Ozarks Food Harvest. Audience members who bring canned goods will get $2 off their tickets.

"The rodeo spectators have always been very generous with benefiting the Ozarks Food Harvest," he said.