Rattlesnake Rodeo schedule finalized

Published 12:02 am Saturday, April 4, 2015

The Newsboys are among the Christian vocalists who will perform in Opp next Sunday.

The Newsboys are among the Christian vocalists who will perform in Opp next Sunday.

This time next week, locals and folks from miles away will be having a slithering good time at the 55th annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo.

The day will kick off with a 5K run/walk. Registration will be from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at Opp High School. The run will begin at 9.

Gates open at Channell-Lee Stadium at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. welcome.

“We are excited,” Opp Mayor John Bartholomew said about the rodeo.

Snake races are a big portion of the day, with the first heat at 10 a.m., a second heat at 12:30 p.m.; third heat at 1:30 p.m., and the championship at 2 p.m.

Entertainment will kick off at 10:30 a.m., with the E-Town Band, followed by County Road 440 and Tori Resinour in the 11 a.m. hour.

Opening ceremony is at noon.

After lunch entertainment begins at 1 with Karen Morris.

The greasy pole climb, a crowd favorite, is at 3:30 p.m.

The World Championship Buck Dancing Contest will be at 4:30 p.m.

Martin McDaniel will take the stage at 6 p.m., The Springs at 7 p.m., and Gary Allan at 8 p.m.

Bartholomew said having Allan come and play at the rodeo will be a big treat for fans.

“He’s been selling out his concerts at $150-$200 for tickets,” he said. “Our tickets are $20. To see him at that price is a good deal.”

Sunday’s Christian day will kick off at 10:30, but gates open at 10.

Southside Baptist Church’s Jonathan Hornsby will lead a worship service at 11.

Sunday’s opening ceremonies are at noon, with a snake race and snake show at 12:30 p.m.

Amanda Henderson and Bethany Huckabaa will kick of the entertainment at 1:30 p.m., Morris will perform at 2:30 p.m.

Another snake race and snake show will be at 3 p.m.

Annie Ball will take stage at 5 p.m.

J.O.E. (Jesus Owns Everything) will play at 6 p.m.

John Tibbs, Finding Favour, Audio Adrenaline and the Newboys will play in the 7 p.m. hour.

“That’s going to be a fantastic show,” Bartholomew said about the act on Sunday night. “They’ve (Newsboys) got a show where their drummer goes between 20-30 feet in the air and plays upside down.”