16th Annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - 12:15pm

Mayor Jamie Mayo and the Monroe City Council are pleased to join the Department of Community Affairs, the Real Cowboy Association, the Workforce Investment Board and other event sponsors to announce the 16th Annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo will be held at the Monroe Civic Center Arena 7 pm Saturday, August 20th.

Now, for a limited time only, tickets are on sale with a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE TICKET SPECIAL. Regular ticket prices are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children. The TICKET SPECIAL will end on July 30. Tickets are available at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office and via Ticketmaster.com

Mayor Jamie Mayo, founder of the annual event, comments, "Over the course of 16-years, more than 50,000 fans have seen a diverse group of more than 300 cowboys and cowgirls compete, each year, in traditional rodeo events. We always have an energized crowd jam-packed in the civic center arena. We have great competition, great music and a great deal of family-fun! We encourage everyone throughout northeast Louisiana, and the Ark-La-Miss region to mark your calendar and bring out the entire family for a fan-favorite show  which benefits the O.K. Program of Monroe (a youth mentorship program coordinated through the Monroe Police Department."

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FOLLOWING 2016 RODEO EVENTS

*RODEO PRESS CONFERENCE - 12 noon Friday, August 19th in Monroe Civic Center Arena Lobby. Mayor Jamie Mayo has proclaimed Friday, August 19 through Saturday, August 20, as Bayou Black Open Rodeo Weekend, and is encouraging city workers and rodeo fans to wear their best western wear to work, around town, and to the main event on those days.

*PARADE – 9 am Saturday, August 20th. The parade will travel a roughly 2+ mile course from the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Monroe Civic Center Parking Lot.  Lineup will begin at 8 am.  Bring out the kids and pick out your favorite spot along the parade route to catch candy and other items. The exact PARADE ROUTE will begin at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, Travel north up Wilson Street, Continue north on South 2nd Street, Turn Right on Orange Street, Turn Left on South 8th Street, and end at the Monroe Civic Center parking lot.

*TAILGATING - 11 am Saturday, August 20th in the Civic Center Parking Lot. Rodeo fans, Horse clubs, and cowboys and cowgirls participating in the rodeo traditionally set up their RV's, Tents, Grills, and Fish Fryers for some lunchtime pre-rodeo tailgating.  The public is encouraged to bring your food & drink and join in the fun!

*HEALTH FAIR & BUSINESS EXPO - 11 am - 3 pm Saturday, August 20th in the Monroe Convention Center. The community is invited to a FREE Health Fair sponsored by Omicron Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend a FREE "one stop workshop" geared towards sharing information on increasing capital, procuring contracts, and providing counseling.

*RODEO MAIN EVENT - 7 pm Saturday, August 20th in the Monroe Civic Center Arena. The doors to the Monroe Civic Center Arena will open at 6 pm; and, the Grand Entry will begin at 7 pm for the "Baddest Show on Dirt!"  We will sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!  GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!