Hundreds expected for Sedalia rodeo

More than 400 contestants from more than 30 states and Canada are expected to compete over the next two weekends as the rodeo returns to Sedalia.

The National Federation of Professional Bullriders Extravaganza will be Friday and Saturday at Mathewson Exhibition Center.

The Sedalia event will be the next to last for the 2007 season.

Rookies Skeeter Kingsolver, of McLouth, Kan., and Jody Newberry, of Conway, Ark., lead the standings, according to the NFPB Web site.

Through Feb. 2, Kingsolver had earned $14,827.73. Newberry had won $13,003.39.

Jimmy Twedt, of Ames, Iowa, was second with $12,977.89.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Federation West Championship Rodeo will be Feb. 22-23 at Mathewson Exhibition Center.

The Great Lakes Circuit event will feature bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle-bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding.

Bareback riders Larry Carter and Luke West, both of Marshall; saddle-bronc riders Jesse Don Brown and Doodle Hume, both of Marshall; and bull rider Ben Longhofer, of Stover, are among the leaders in their events, according to the PRCA Web site and will likely compete in the rodeo.

Events will begin at 8 p.m. daily for both events. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m.

Free pony rides will be offered each night before the show begins, according to information submitted by rodeo producer Sharon Simon.

A cowboy hat will be given to the first 100 children through the doors on both Friday nights.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in mutton bustin’ during each night’s performance.

Cowboy poker will be offered for adults.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4 and older. Children 3 and younger will be admitted for free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Gene’s Boots and Hats, 3145 W. Broadway Blvd.; Little Big Horn Cattle Company, 1629 W. Main St.; and Patricia’s Mexican Restaurant, 3000 S. Limit Ave.

Advance tickets cost $11 for adults and $5 for children 4 and older.