HOPE – The longest-running high school sponsored student rodeo in Arkansas rounded out 59 years Saturday night as the three-night Hope High School FFA Rodeo concluded at Hope Fair Park Arena. The all-student production organized and performed by FFA members and Hope Public Schools students is a marquee event and tradition in Southwest Arkansas.\r\n
\r\nStudent events for the two nights of regular competition include bareback horse riding, calf haltering, hide ride, junior bull riding, goat tying, calf roping, pig scramble, wild steer tagging, mutton busting, barrel pickup, chute dogging, barrel racing, bull riding, pole bending, and pig dressing.\r\n
\r\nBelt buckles are awarded to winners in most events and to an all-around cowboy and all-around cowgirl.\r\n
\r\nThe Thursday night opener is traditionally “Old Timer’s Night” for HHS alumni.\r\n
\r\nResults from the competition will be announced later this week.\r\n
\r\nFunds raised from the rodeo finance FFA chapter competition activities, as well as provide scholarships to HHS students, according to Smith.\r\n
\r\nThe Junior Queen competition winner, selected from audience balloting each evening, will also be announced.\r\n