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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 North American Championship Rodeo returns to Freedom Hall November 8-10 during the NAILE for the circuit finals of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association. A part of the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo, participants represent many states in the region, including Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.
The event features three nights of excitement as the best in each event compete over all three days to be named champion. There are seven events each night: bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, and team roping. In between events, attendees will be entertained by the rodeo clown and other acts throughout the night.
Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online ahead of time. Children under the age of 2 are free. Friday, November 9, is Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to show support for the fight against breast cancer and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Horses and Hope. Ticket prices do not include parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which is $10 per vehicle.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center. The annual event takes place over 17 days starting on October 30th, at 9 AM with the North American Quarter Horse Show.
The show features 10 species (and countless breeds) of livestock from all over the continent, as well as youth skills competitions and educational programs, and the North American Marketplace. The show also features many other exhibition events, including cowboy mounted shooting, where spectators can watch participants hit targets using a single action revolver while riding a horse through an obstacle course, draft horse shows, and the NAILE Wool Show. A full schedule of events can be found here.
While admission to the market place is free, admission to the rest of the event is $6 per person and does not include parking ($10) at the Kentucky Exhibition Center.
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.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) is the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world, with 30,000 cattle, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas, sheep and horses competing for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. The show runs Oct. 31-Nov. 16 throughout the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Barrel Racing Riders race against the clock in this fast-paced competition where agility and speed are key. Youth competition begins Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. in Broadbent Arena and continues Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 9 a.m. with amateur, girls and open barrel racing. Juniors and seniors compete Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.
Cowboy Mounted Shooting Cowboys take aim at ten targets in this timed event, shooting for both accuracy and speed. The winning rider is determined by compiling the most hits, fewest penalties and quickest time. This event is held in Freedom Hall:
- Thursday, Nov. 9 8 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 10 12 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 11 8 a.m.
Draft Horse Shows Draft horses, known for their beauty and strength, compete by pulling weighted carts and wagons. Teams are judged on performance, driving and conformation. The shows are held in in Freedom Hall:
- Friday, Nov. 10 8 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 11 8 a.m.
Entrance to competitions is included with NAILE admission: $6 for adults; and $3 for seniors (55 and older) and children (ages 2-12). Parking is $8 daily. Event passes for the entire expo are $25 for admission and $25 for parking.
Free admission and parking are available to visitors and North American Marketplace shoppers Nov. 7-8.
NAILE features the North American Marketplace, wool showcase, children’s barnyard and more. The separately ticketed North American Championship Rodeo is held Nov. 9-11 in Freedom Hall, in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition.
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org. Continue reading
The North American Championship Rodeo returns to Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center Nov. 9-11 for the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo finals.
The rodeo is held during the North American International Livestock Exposition, with contestants vying for over $80,000 in prizes and the title of Regional Champion. Winners will go on to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.
During the North American Championship Rodeo, top cowboys and cowgirls from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin will compete in a number of events, including:
- Bareback riding
- Bull riding
- Saddle bronc riding
- Steer wrestling
- Team roping
- Women’s barrel racing
- Rodeo clowns
The rodeo will feature special promotions:
- Friday, Nov. 10 – Tough Enough to Wear Pink, fans and contestants are encouraged to wear pink to show support for the fight against breast cancer, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Horses and Hope.
- Saturday, Nov. 11 – Kid’s Cowboy Hat Night, the first 500 children admitted through the front entrance will receive a free straw cowboy hat. Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Veteran’s Day: military members, veterans and first responders can receive 50 percent off their ticket. More information is available at kyvenues.wordpress.com/2017/09/29/celebrate-veteransday-with-our-military-discount.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Admission prices vary:
- Thursday, Nov. 9 $25 for adults $5 for children (ages 2-12)
- Friday, Nov. 10 $30 for adults $10 for children (ages 2-12)
- Saturday, Nov. 11 $32 for adults $10 for children (ages 2-12)
Purchase tickets at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or buy online at www.ticketmaster.com. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle.
The North American International Livestock Exposition is the largest all-breed, purebred expo in the world and takes place Oct. 31 through Nov. 16, 2017. For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
Each year shoppers look forward to the North American Marketplace, which takes place exclusively during the North American International Livestock Exposition. The marketplace is located in the North Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center and is open daily Nov. 4-9 and 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are extended hours Nov. 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The North American Marketplace features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and 200 vendors offering clothing, belt buckles, sweets, cowboy hats, arts and crafts, books, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture and jewelry. “Cowgirl chic” boutiques with the latest trends in western-style clothing and accessories round out the shopping experience.
All the latest products related to showing livestock are also available, including specialized vehicle trailers for transporting animals and livestock gear, such as bridles and saddles.
When it’s time to take a break from shopping, the food court offers something to tempt everyone’s taste buds – from pizza to pork chops.
Two other popular stops in the North Wing include:
- Art of Wool showcase, featuring displays and demonstrations by crafters, explains how wool goes from sheep to shawl.
- Children’s Barnyard provides opportunities for guests to interact with rabbits, mini-horses, lambs, newly-hatched ducklings and other baby animals.
North American Marketplace shoppers and expo visitors receive free admission and parking Nov. 7-8. All other days, admission to NAILE is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors (55 and older) and children (ages 2-12); parking is $8 daily.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) is the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world and runs Oct. 31-Nov. 16 throughout the Kentucky Exposition Center.
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
