Duncan Noon Lions Club Rodeo back again for 51st year

One of the more long running area traditions makes it return this week as the Duncan Noon Lions Club hosts its 51st annual Lions Club Rodeo beginning on Thursday and continuing through Saturday at Claud Gill Arena at the Stephens County Fairgrounds.

Joe Henderson is back heading up the rodeo. 

“We’re heading in the right direction,” Henderson said on Tuesday. “We are putting the banners up tomorrow and getting the paraphernalia up and we’ll be ready to go at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night.”

The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well.

There will be the usual bronc and bareback riding competitions, individual and team ropings, barrel racing, some competitions for the kids and the night will end with bull riding.

New this year will be a four-person teetertotter where participants will attempt to avoid a bull.

“We plan on having that after the kids’ competitons,” Henderson said. “If it goes well on Thursday night, we will bring it back out on Friday and Saturday.”

Every event will be held each night so rodeo goers will get a variety every night.

Henderson said he is hoping for a big crowd. Usually, rodeo queen contestants drum up ticket sales, but there is only one queen contestant this year.

“Chickasha held their rodeo last week and they had a good crowd and didn’t have any queen contestants,” Henderson said. 

For Henderson, it is his 42nd year of doing the rodeo.

“I know where the funds are going, so I support that,” Henderson said of his longevity in directing the rodeo. “I’m getting older and it’s getting harder to do. People are a little different now than they used to be.We try to please as many people as we can. With different crowds, you do the best you can.”

Tickets are $12 at the gate. Children 4-12 are $6 at the gate and children three and under are free.