Rains didn’t dampen Rodeo crowds

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Crowds watch as snake handlers Frank "Trippy" McGuire (left) and Chuck Brooks show off the rattlesnakes Saturday afternoon. | Andrew Garner/Star-News

Crowds watch as snake handlers Frank “Trippy” McGuire (left) and Chuck Brooks show off the rattlesnakes Saturday afternoon. | Andrew Garner/Star-News

Pouring rains didn’t dampen the spirits or the crowd at Sunday’s Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo, officials said Monday.

Though official attendance totals were still being calculated Monday afternoon, Mayor John Bartholomew said it was a “packed house” at Channell-Lee Stadium to see Christian contemporary artists Finding Favour, John Tibbs, Audio Adrenaline and headliner Newsboys.

“It was amazing,” he said. “The crowd was on its feet standing in the rain. The Newsboys and our other artists were great playing in the rain.”

Bartholomew said the crowd was soaked by the end of the concert, but everyone was praising God.

Last month, Bartholomew said he hoped to spark a new rodeo tradition by offering a good Christian act on Sunday.

Tickets to other shows to see the Newsboys go for more than $100 per ticket; the City of Opp was able to sell them for $25 and less, he said.

“It more than met my expectations, even with the rain,” Bartholomew said. “It was jam-packed in the rain. If it were sunny, I don’t know where we would have put more people.”

Bartholomew said that Saturday’s Gary Allan concert, which also featured The Springs and Opp’s own Martin McDaniel, had an equal amount of concert-goers.

Bartholomew said people came to Opp from as far as Boston to catch the show.

Angelica Porter said she drove six hours to see the Newsboys.

“So worth it,” she said. “Got drenched. Didn’t care.”

Mike Harvey said he hopes that the Christian show continues.

“Want to thank you all again for a great night of Christian music with Finding Favour, Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline,” he said. “This was awesome. I want to encourage you all to keep having this part of the Rattlesnake Rodeo for those of us who love Christian music.”

Saturday’s Gary Allan concert also got good reviews.

“Our first time at the Rattlesnake Rodeo, “ said attendee Rick Rifley. “We had a fabulous time at the Gary Allan concert. My wife got a meet and greet with Gary as well. Great experience. Thanks, Opp.”