Press Release

July 21, 2009

10th Annual Phil Gardenhire Rodeo

August 14 & 15, 2009

The David Bailey Rodeo Company, Poteau Roundup Club & Poteau Chamber of Commerce are making plans for a Great Rodeo this year.   This marks the 10th Anniversary of the Phil Gardenhire Rodeo.  The Rodeo originated after long time PRCA Rodeo Announcer Phil Gardenhire was tragically killed in a car accident.

Each year the Rodeo has continued to grow by bringing in the Toughest Stock & Cowboys while providing a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family.  Rodeos have been a part of the Poteau Area for over 50 years.  Last year's sellout crowd reflects that an annual rodeo in Poteau is not going away.  Lisa Bailey, with the David Bailey Rodeo begin meeting with Bob Oliver Rodeo Chairman & Karen Wages, Poteau Chamber of Commerce President/CEO in early May to begin preparations for the big event.  Bob has been among the driving forces of keeping this rodeo alive.  "We could not do this with out Bob's help." says Lisa Bailey.   Sam Howery, IPR/PRCA will be the nightly rodeo announcer.  John Haden has been listed as one of the Bull Fighters among others.  The Bullfighters will be doing promotions and signing autographs through out the week of the Rodeo.  The Rodeo will begin each night at 8:00.  Mutton Bustin will start at 6:30 each night.  All Tickets - $8.00 General Admission.  Box Seats & Sponsorships are still available.  Contact Rodeo Office at 918-478-6217.

There will also be a Rodeo Parade this year sponsored by Main Street Matters.   The parade will begin at 5:00 starting at Carl Albert State College then preceding down McKenna to Dewey. After several calls each year about having a parade, Karen Wages, President/CEO encouraged the committee to have a parade.   This will just bring more local participants and give them the opportunity to ride in the parade, and then proceed to the final night of the rodeo. Karla Ochoa, Director Main Street Matters is working with her committee to have pre-parade activities on Main Street that afternoon.

 Among the Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing and other timed events this years added attraction is the 1st Annual "Oklahoma Star" singing contest; our version of American Idol.  The competition begins August 4th at Warehouse Willy's.  Final elimination will be August 13th; The 10 finalist will then proceed to the Friday Night and Saturday Nights performance of the Rodeo.  The winner will be announced Saturday Night, August 15th.  There will also be a "Jr Oklahoma Star".  The winner will be chosen pre-rodeo and will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem Each Night.  Cash Prizes for the  "Oklahoma Star" winner and other singing opportunities are in the making. Oklahoma Star Sponsors are preparing for a huge number of contestants.  Terry Williamson owner Warehouse Willy's says " We can use every night of the week until rodeo night if we have to, just let everyone get involved."

August 10-15 will also be RODEO WEEK IN POTEAU.  Local Businesses is encouraged to decorate store windows, parking lots, marquees, etc.  Businesses are already planning on Rodeo Dress and other activities for the week.  The Poteau Daily News & Sun is sponsoring the Best Rodeo Business Contest.  The winner will be chosen by a select group of judges throughout the week and will be awarded box seats each night at the rodeo.

Poteau's Mayor Jeff Shockley "Encourages Everyone to Come Out And Celebrate Eastern Oklahoma's Western Heritage, and Cowboy Up and Have A Good Time."

 For more details call Poteau Chamber of Commerce 918-647-9178

www.poteauchamber.com      www.davidbaileyrodeo.com