Deep South PRCA Rodeo: A Beloved Louisiana Tradition
In This Article
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo in Winnsboro, Louisiana is celebrating its 67th annual event this year, continuing a cherished tradition that began in 1959.
Deep South PRCA Rodeo
This three-day rodeo, held from May 16-18, brings together the local community and rodeo enthusiasts from across the country for an unforgettable experience.
Event Logistics and Format
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo features a traditional three-day format, with winners determined by the best score or time across all three days of competition.
The total payout for the rodeo is an impressive $3,600 per event. In addition to the prize money, each event winner receives a commemorative buckle, and the All Around winner is awarded a rifle.
The rodeo typically attracts 250-280 contestants each year, with the majority hailing from the local area and across the nation.
Approximately 5,000 fans attend the rodeo throughout the three days, an impressive turnout considering Winnsboro's population of just 6,500.
Surrounding Events and Activities
Deep South PRCA Rodeo is more than just a rodeo; it's a community celebration. In conjunction with the rodeo, several activities take place, including:
Authentic Chuckwagon cookout for contestants every night
Parade on Saturday, attended by nearly the entire town
Rodeo Committee cookout on Wednesday night
"Rodeo Roots" exhibit at a refurbished post office, showcasing memorabilia dating back to the 60s and 70s, including rodeo trophies, saddles, and exhibits dedicated to the Deep South Rodeo rodeo queens and local country music star Lainey Wilson
Key Personnel
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo boasts an impressive lineup of key personnel:
Stock Contractor: Pete Carr Pro Rodeo
Announcer: Andy Stewart, a multiple-time nominee for PRCA Announcer of the Year and a 24-year veteran of the Deep South Rodeo
Trick Rider: Dusti Dickerson
Funny Man: Rudy Burns, a 30-year veteran of the rodeo
A Rich History
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo has a rich history dating back to 1959. Originally held in August, the rodeo was 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 was donated to the city in the 1930s and now serves as a hub for various community events.
The rodeo's name, "Deep South Rodeo," was coined by the first announcer, Billy Duplissey, and has remained unchanged since its inception.
Notable Achievements and Attendees
Deep South PRCA Rodeo has been nominated twice for the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year award, a testament to its excellence.
The rodeo also hosts the Living Louisiana Legends Roughstock school in the winter, attracting instructors who have made the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), such as Kade Sonnier, Ryder Sanford, Remmy Parrot, and Tyler Waguespack.
Several notable individuals have attended or competed at the Deep South PRCA Rodeo, including:
Lainey Wilson, a country music star who used to be a flag girl and sing the National Anthem at the rodeo
Mike and Scott Fletcher, with Mike being a former National High School Champion and IPRA champion
Cody and Heith DeMoss, with Heith being a 9-time NFR qualifier and Cody a 14-time NFR qualifier
James Boudreaux, a 6-time NFR qualifier
Chad Cline, a PRCA Bareback rider
Community Involvement and Charitable Causes
Deep South PRCA Rodeo is deeply rooted in the local community, with a 32-member Board of Directors and planning committee that meets monthly (and weekly leading up to the rodeo weekend).
The rodeo is supported by over 100 local volunteers, including the Lions Club, committee member families, and local churches.
The rodeo also gives back to the community through various charitable causes, such as:
Scholarships for Franklin Parish seniors and the Rodeo Queen
Honoring community members or former committee members who have passed away each year
Themed nights supporting various causes, such as Bellbottom Country Night (started by Lainey Wilson), Military Appreciation Night, and Tough Enough to Wear Pink Cancer Awareness Night
The rodeo committee recently helped fund and build a bridge over the river on the walking trail behind the rodeo grounds for the local Boy Scouts, further demonstrating their commitment to the community.
Sponsorship and Support
Deep South PRCA Rodeo is supported by 64 sponsors, with many returning year after year.
Sponsor dollars help keep the rodeo running and serve as great advertising for the sponsors, creating a true partnership between the rodeo and the local business community.
Getting Involved
For those looking to get involved with the Deep South PRCA Rodeo, committee member Buckshot Sims has a simple message: "Call me! I have something for you to do!"
Sims, whose grandfather helped found the rodeo, has been involved since 1999 and handles the business side of the event, including sponsor coordination.
In Sims's words, "Rodeo is family. The people you rodeo with become your family." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Deep South PRCA Rodeo – a beloved Louisiana tradition that brings together the community, rodeo enthusiasts, and cowboy culture for an unforgettable experience year after year.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.