Despite bumps, 'grandaddy of East Texas' rodeos ready

Last year, Jasper Lions Club Rodeo Chairman Scott Burton had to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Rita and its impact on the annual fund-raising event.

But this year had its own bumps in the road as well.

"I thought last year would be the one to end all but this year's has had its own fun and given us an opportunity to do it better next year," Burton said.

The "Grand Daddy" of East Texas rodeos will be held May 9-12 despite a few issues this year.

The latest issue came in the form of the lack of sheep for the muttin' bustin' event that is scheduled for Thursday, May 10 for children ages 6-8.

As of May 2, the Lions Club had not secured any sheep for the event so Burton is telling anyone signing up that the event may be cancelled if no sheep are secured for the event.

An earlier bump in the road was when entertainer Rodney Adkins pulled out of the rodeo to join the George Strait tour.

"The entertainers all have a clause in their contracts that if they are offered to tour with a headliner as the opening act, they can go," Burton said. "That has happened to us the last three years and we have lost them all three years to George Strait. We need to have a sit down with him."

For those who like a good rodeo, the Jasper Lions Club Rodeo will provide just what is needed. As a PRCA rodeo, the four-day compe- tition attracts top cowboys from around the nation.

"That week, there are four to five PRCA rodeos and we are the largest one," Burton said. "We will have the better attendance and add on money."

Rodeo week officially kicks off May 9 at 5 p.m. with a parade through the streets of downtown Jasper.

Traditionally, the week begins with trail rides from different corners of the county converging into a parade through downtown Jasper. Fans then head to the rodeo arena found north on U.S. Highway 96 to Calvert Street, to enjoy food and rodeo events in the totally covered all-weather arena.

Through the years numerous musicians have played the rodeo, some well known, some on the way up. Johnny Paycheck, The Dixie Chicks, Eddy Raven, Garth Brooks and Tracy Byrd are just a sampling of the talent who has played in Jasper.

This year will be no exception as the entertainment talent will include county music legend Bill Conlee as well as up and coming acts Taylor Made Band, Keith Anderson and Heartland.

The local club was organized in 1938 and over the years has supported many charities in the Jasper area.

In addition to college scholarships, the club lends support to youth baseball, scouting, eyeglasses for needy children and sponsors disabled children at the Texas Lions Camp each summer.

Texas Lions Eye Bank, Leader Dog, Lions World Services for the Blind, Lions Club International and Lions Clubs International Foundation, also benefit from the local club.

"We give money to organizations and we give out eye exams, but we want to give something to the families of Jasper County," Burton said. "We can't help ourselves unless we help somebody."