Friday April 19, 2024
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Tonight, rodeo fans converge on Freedom Hall for the final night of the North American Championship Rodeo. The top ropers and riders in the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo will be competing for a chance to be named the Regional Champion in each event and a spot in the Nationals Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, FL next spring.
The rodeo kicked off Thursday night with the participants competing over three grueling nights of rodeo action in seven events. Tonight is the final night for the participants to improve their average to be named the Regional Champion and take home their share of the purse. Attendees can watch cowboys ride broncos and bulls, wrestle steer and rope steer and calves, while cowgirls race around the arena for the fastest time in the barrel racing event. Attendees will also be treated to the guest appearance of a couple of beautiful and iconic American animals during John “The One-Armed Bandit” Payne’s 15-time PRCA Rodeo Act of the Year.
The rodeo bucks out of the chute at 7:30 PM and tickets are available, starting at $10. With tonight being the final competition, it will be packed house. Admission does not include parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which is $10 per vehicle.
The rodeo occurs in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo. The Expo started October 31 and will continue until November 15. Livestock being featured today are sheep and beef cattle. The marketplace will be open extended hours tonight to allow attendees to shop before the rodeo begins. Continue reading
The 44th annual North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) saw an increase in both exhibitors and rodeo attendance during its 17-day run at the Kentucky Exposition Center. NAILE drew nearly 30,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors and attendees from 49 states and six foreign countries. The event generated an economic impact of $8.3 million to the greater Louisville region.
The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw the highest attendance in five years with more than 19,000 fans enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall.
NAILE, the world’s largest purebred livestock show, is held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Included in the event are national collegiate and youth livestock judging contests, competition within ten livestock divisions and livestock sales. The event is owned and produced by Kentucky Venues.
Steve Kelly, Executive Director of Expositions for Kentucky Venues noted that renowned judges and officials from across the country evaluate the livestock and assist with the show, underscoring the event’s prestige. “NAILE serves as the livestock industry’s capstone event. Kentucky showcases its agriculture heritage by hosting the esteemed livestock show each year.”
The Sale of Champions, held the last night of NAILE, raised $64,500, with proceeds distributed to youth exhibitors of market animals (80 percent), charities (10 percent) and promotion (10 percent).
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.