Published: June 16, 2009 03:13 pm      

Bustin’ a mutton

Annual parade to kick off PRCA rodeo

A parade in downtown Cleburne tonight will kick off the 55th annual Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA rodeo. The parade begins at 6 p.m.

The theme of the parade is “Of the community, for the community.”

Participants in the parade are asked to report to the Sheriff’s Posse grounds around 4 p.m. to register, said Susan Akey, chairperson of the rodeo committee.

The number of participants is not yet known.

“It could be anywhere from 200 to 500,” Akey said. “We’ve got a lot of calls.”

Participants are prohibited from throwing objects from floats, but walkers may hand out objects.

All horses must have Coggins.

Awards will be presented for different categories such as best riding group, best dressed and best float.

The rodeo queen, princess and sweetheart contestants will also ride in the parade.

Sheriff Bob Alford will serve as grand marshal.

For information about the parade, call Akey at 817-487-2103.



Rodeo performances

Wednesday night will once again be “God and Country Night,” with country singer Susie Luchsinger returning to perform a concert at 7 p.m. before the start of the opening night of the rodeo.

Thursday night is military appreciation night, and all current and retired military will be granted free admittance with a military ID.

Friday night is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night, sponsored by Dodge and the PRCA.

The grand finale is Saturday night. Rodeo winners and the rodeo queen will be crowned that night.

General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is free.

Rodeo performances begin at 8 p.m. nightly.

For information about the rodeo, call David Johnson at 817-517-9461 or David Welty at 817-907-9256 or visit www.sheriffsposse.com.