HINESTON, La. (KALB) - The Ted Johnson Memorial Rodeo returns to the Ted Johnson Arena Sept. 11 and 12, drawing barrel racers who have competed there for years.
This weekend’s lineup includes barrel racing, team roping and bull riding, plus a mechanical bull, musical chairs on horseback, food and craft vendors and a concert before Friday night’s rodeo.
Pineville native Cami Ray said competing there feels like coming home.
“It’s just so family-oriented; this is where I grew up,” Ray said.
DeQuincy native Kalee Good has been competing at the rodeo for years and recalled a memory from her first time there.
“It was a show. I fully expected it to be bad. But, he really surprised me, and it was just shocking. I saw the time, and I was like, wow. I don’t know. It was just rewarding. Special,” Good said.
Montgomery native Isabella Welch said the friendships she’s made with other girls make the rodeo special.
“You’re together, so it’s good to come back together every year. You form a bond with us all, and we all come closer together,” Welch said.
DeQuincy native Laykin Adams has been competing at the rodeo for about three years. She said the work she and her horse get at the rodeo is aiding her goal to one day become a national champion.
“She can get experience, and she can do something besides just barrel racing. So, it changes her mind, her mindset, where she can just be able to be included in all things. So, she’s not just focused on running all the time,” Adams said.
The rodeo was founded by Ted Johnson and continues in his memory. Good said current owner Daleigha Pitt always makes her feel welcome.
“Very supportive. Always very willing to help. Always willing to answer questions, any questions that you have,” Good said.
Asked about their favorite events, competitors gave a range of answers:
“Saddle Bronc, that’s my favorite. It’s just fun to watch. Watching the cowboys hold on and fall off.”
“Bulldogging. I like watching the men trying to wrangle their cows. It’s fun.”
“Barrel racing. It’s just really entertaining. And I love, like, the adrenaline about it.”
“It’s very fun. There’s something for everybody to do. And I can ensure that everybody will have a great time.”
The rodeo has been held since 1949.
The rodeo is sponsored by these sponsors:
Tickets are $10 at the gate. Children five and under get in free. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. both nights.
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