Rattlesnake Rodeo schedule finalized
Published 12:02 am Saturday, April 4, 2015
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.”