67th Annual Deep South PRCA Rodeo: A Celebration of Cowboy Culture
Deep South PRCA Rodeo, a staple event in Winnsboro, Louisiana, has been captivating rodeo fans for 67 years.
This annual three-day event brings together top professional rodeo talent from across the nation, competing for hefty cash prizes and prestigious buckles.
All About Deep South PRCA Rodeo
More than just a sporting event, the Deep South PRCA Rodeo is deeply rooted in the local community's history and traditions.
The event showcases the area's agricultural background and the shared love for the cowboy lifestyle.
Event Overview
Deep South PRCA Rodeo, a beloved tradition in Winnsboro, Louisiana, is gearing up for its 67th annual event from May 16-18.
This three-day event showcases the best in professional rodeo, attracting top contestants from across the nation.
With a total payout of $3,600 per event, 250-280 contestants, and coveted buckles awarded to each event winner, the Deep South PRCA Rodeo is a must-attend for rodeo fans.
Format and Prizes
The Rodeo follows a straightforward format, with winners determined by the best score or time over the three days of competition.
In addition to the prize money, event winners receive prestigious buckles, while the All Around champion is awarded a rifle, adding to the excitement and prestige of the event.
Community Involvement
Deep South PRCA Rodeo, named by rodeo announcer Billy Duplissey, is more than just a sporting event; it's a celebration of the local community.
With a population of just 6,500, Winnsboro sees nearly 5,000 attendees throughout the three days of the rodeo.
The event features a parade on Saturday that draws the entire town, showcasing the community's deep connection to the rodeo and its traditions.
Additional Activities at Deep South PRCA Rodeo
Alongside the rodeo, several other activities make the Deep South PRCA Rodeo a truly immersive experience.
Chuckwagon Cookout
Contestants are treated to an authentic Chuckwagon cookout every night, while the Rodeo Committee hosts a cookout on Wednesday night.
Rodeo Roots Exhibit
The "Rodeo Roots" exhibit at a refurbished post office in town invites anyone who has been involved in rodeo to display memorabilia and share their stories with the community.
The exhibit features items dating back to the 60s and 70s, including rodeo trophies, saddles, and a section dedicated to the Deep South Rodeo rodeo queens.
Lainey Wilson Exhibit
A special Lainey Wilson exhibit showcases the country star's connection to the event, as she used to be a flag girl and sing the National Anthem at Deep South Rodeo.
Country Music Star Lainey Wilson was a flag girl and sang the National Anthem at Deep South Rodeo!
Rodeo Talent
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo boasts an impressive lineup of talent, with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo as the stock contractor and Andy Stewart, a multiple-time nominee for PRCA Announcer of the Year, as the announcer.
Stewart, a Winnsboro native, has been announcing the rodeo for 24 years. The event also features trick rider Dusti Dickerson and funny man Rudy Burns, who has been with the rodeo for 30 years.
History and Tradition of Deep South PRCA Rodeo
Founded in 1959, the Deep South PRCA Rodeo has a rich history rooted in the local community.
Originally held in August, the rodeo was scheduled a month before cotton picking season, as almost all the rodeo committee members were cotton farmers.
The event moved to May about a decade ago due to the hot southern temperatures.
The rodeo has always been held at the Deep South Rodeo Arena, which sits on land that once belonged to the Franklin Parish War Memorial before being donated to the city.
The arena now hosts not only the Deep South Rodeo but also carnivals, baseball fields, and Boy Scout events.
Notable Achievements and Participants
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo has been nominated twice for PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year, a testament to its quality and success.
The event also hosts Living Louisiana Legends, a Roughstock school in the winter, which invites anyone who has made the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) to be an instructor.
Past instructors include Louisiana rodeo legends such as Kade Sonnier, Ryder Sanford, Remmy Parrot, and Tyler Waguespack.
Several notable figures have competed at the Deep South PRCA Rodeo, including Mike Fletcher, a former National High School Champion and IPRA champion, and his son Scott Fletcher.
Brothers Cody and Heith DeMoss, with 14 and 9 NFR qualifications, respectively, have also competed at the event, as have James Boudreaux, a 6-time NFR qualifier, and Chad Cline, a PRCA Bareback rider.
Final Thoughts
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo is a celebration of cowboy culture, community, and the enduring spirit of rodeo. With its rich history, top-notch talent, and engaging activities, this event continues to captivate rodeo fans and bring the town of Winnsboro together year after year.