101 Ranch Rodeo in August Will Feature New, Familiar Performers - Rex Allen, Mister Cowboy…..Familiar faces and new ones will be in Ponca City for the 101 Ranch Rodeo Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are to go on sale the middle of June for the 101 Ranch Rodeo in August.

In addition, there will be a pre-rodeo spectacular in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, August 27, which will be the only opportunity people in this area will have to see lovely Linda Merrill.

This scintillating entertainer was featured on the Bob Hope special and has appeared this year with Dean Martin and Ed Sullivan, besides thrilling audiences from coast to coast on stage.

Also on stage at the spectacular will be the hilarious singing humorists, Homer and Jethro, who have received a Grammy Award for the funniest recording.

Completing the star-studded cast for the spectacular will be Mister Cowboy, Rex Allen, and the Men of the West.

It can truly be said of Rex that he is returning to the 101 Ranch Rodeo by popular demand of the thousands of friends and fans he made when he was the rodeo star in 1966.

Each evening Allen and the Men of the West will entertain in the rodeo arena. Boys and girls can begin looking forward to being greeted by Rex when he rides around the arena at the conclusion of his show.

Homer and Jethro will be performing in the arena each evening, adding a new dimension to the always top "between events" attractions.

Trick riding, which has not been seen here for a number of years, is being brought back. This time it is the J. W. Stoker troupe from Overland Park, Kan., which has earned the title of World Champion Trick Riders.

A thrill a second, interspersed with many a laugh, is assure with the return of the stock of Elra Beutler and Son of Elk City.

The lively, sturdy calves and the husky, strong steers often take the ropers and doggers on a merry chase down the arena, loudly protesting all the way.

Another of the familiar faces, a great favorite not only with rodeo fans here but throughout the rodeo world, will be that of Buck LeGrand. Buck again will be the bull fighter, and only the Brahma bulls will be against him.

The "golden voice" of rodeo, Mel Lambert, will add colorful descriptions to the colorful events. He knows rodeo and announces such famous ones as the Pendleton Roundup, which this year will have a purse in excess of $73,000.

Few people look into the announcer's stand as they are too busy with events in the arena. But there for the second consecutive year will be June Ivory, who, last year worked the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.

In the arena, and one of the most important men to the contesting cowboy athletes, will be Buster Ivory serving as judge. He also was selected to work the National Finals Rodeo.

THREE BIG ACTS IN AUGUST 27 SPECTACULAR Tickets on Sale; Show Precedes 3-Night Rodeo Three acts will be featured in the 101 Spectacular to be 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, in the Hutchins Memorial auditorium. Two, Rex Allen and Homer and Jethro, will be seen each evening at the 101 Ranch Rodeo, as well as in the spectacular. But not the versatile song stress Linda Merrill, who this year has made guest appearances in such television shows as those of Bob Hope, Dean Martin and Ed Sullivan.

One of America's most provocative entertainers, she delights her audiences with her songs, and surprises them with her dancing agility. Clever comedy lines are delivered by the lovely Linda with a unique sense of timing.

The American Business Club has assumed responsibility for selling tickets to the two-hour spectacular, with Dick Horton as the general chairman.

Tickets, priced at $5; $4, $3 and $2, have been placed in each of the three Ponca City banks and at the Ponca City Savings and Loan Association. Also, they may be purchased from any Ambuc.

All seats are reserved at the Hutchins and tickets purchased other than at the rodeo office in the Chamber of Commerce, 112 North Third, should be turned in to the office for a reserved seat, Horton said.

The Spectacular is the opening event of the annual 101 Ranch Rodeo, which is less than three weeks away. Reserved seats may be purchased at the Rodeo Office, also.

Colorful store front decorations began to make their appearance in Ponca City Saturday and everyone is urged to "go western" beginning Monday.

This year it should be especially easy to go western in dress, as many secured handsome outfits last year for the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Cherokee Strip.

String ties, cowboy boots, big hats are proper for men. For women it will be long, flowing pioneer dresses with sunbonnets or western jeans, blouses and a broadbrim cowgirl bat.

For all it will be exciting and fun with the Spectacular, the three nights of top rodeo events and an interesting, long parade.

RODEO OFFICE TO BE OPEN ON SATURDAYS Band Will Play Thursday Night at Rodeo Ticket Office You're invited to come downtown Thursday evening and join in the fun as the special activities leading up to the 101 Ranch days in Ponca. City get underway.

A swinging western band--Les Gilliam and the Cavaliers--will he playing in front of the Rodeo Office at the Chamber of Commerce, 112 North Second.

Hours are 7-7: 30 and 8-8:30 p.m.

The Rodeo Ticket office will be open and tickets can be purchased or those previously purchased turned in for reserved seats to either the 101 Spectacular on Wednesday, August 27, or any of the three night performances of the 101 Ranch Rodeo.

The band is playing under sponsorship of the Ambucs, who have taken the responibility for advance sale to the spectacular--two hours of music and laughter.

There will be activity in the rodeo arena Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, September 28-30, beginning at 7 o'clock and continuing up to time of the Grand Entry at 8 o'clock.

All seats are reserved and many of the advance tickets are now being turned in.

The ticket office will be open each Thursday evening until 8:30 and on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. It is hoped these hours will alleviate the rush which usually marks the last few days before the rodeo.

101 Days in Ponca City -- a spectacular evening of music and laughter -- three, thrill packed evenings of rodeo with more good entertainment.

Homer and Jethro, the laugh favorites of millions who have seen or heard them, will be here.

Headlines with the natural-born wits it Rex Allen and the Men of the West, who had the thousands at the 1966 rodeo cheering and foot-stomping  with their infectious singing and rhythm.

Masters of moods in music, the Men of the West subtly wove pathos into the arena program.

Sharing the spotlight at the 101 Spectacular -- but only at the spectacular -- will be that, "yum-yummy," Linda Merrill.

In the Spectacular to be Wednesday, August 27, at 8 p.m. in the Hutchins Memorial auditorium, she will take the audience on a warm and wonderful trip through show business with delft vocal impressions of the "greats."

Theater and night club patrons return time after time to enjoy Miss Merrill, whose act develops to meet the moods of her audience. She never "grows stale" with her fans. She may open with quick parody, followed by popular tunes of every age before going into imitations of such notables as Joe E. Lewis" Ethel Merman and Roberta Sherwood -- and  others. Her closing usually is a complete change of tempo, a spiritual.

Homer and Jethro, two Tennessee-born gentlemen, take the nation's top song hits, adapt them to their unique style and send them rocking and reeling back home to haunt their original creators. The slaughter begins when a song becomes popular and Homer and Jethro take notice, of it. Quickly they work out their version of it, with little but the melody escaping unchanged.

Does Tin Pan Alley get up-set by the musical mayhem Homer and Jethro practice with their parodies of the best wares of popular music?

Definitely not.

In fact, most publishers come to these Tennessee gentlemen, asking, sometimes begging, that they "tear apart" their tenderest love lyrics and mild novelties.

It seems, happily, there is room for a good serious popular song and also a good-natured spoof of that song.

These unrivaled musical satirists are also outstanding musicians, Homer on the guitar and Jethro on the mandolin.

At the Spectacular and each night of the 101 Ranch Rodeo. Rex .Allen and the. Men of the West will be entertaining the crowds.

Rex, one of the most personable men in show business, meets his fans at the hometown level, for here he is able to relax and share with them one of the most important factors in motion picture and television goodwill -- the personal handshake and greeting between star and fan.

Rex, rather shyly, admits he is a fan, himself. He is an ardent fan of all the people he meets at rodeos and fairs, for a he enjoys his contacts with people as much as they enjoy having at least a fleeting contact with Mr. Cowboy.

The return of Rex Allen and the Men of the West will give great pleasure to the many, many hundreds who have asked members of 101 Ranch Rodeo Foundation

"Why don't you bring Rex Allen back? He's a great entertainer - and what a great guy!"

* * * * * * *

Rodeo --- a whole era of history of the West.

The Cowboy --- fiercely independent, proud of a free life, carving out a code of living where there was no law.

* * * * * * *

This is the inheritance of the 101 Ranch Rodeo established at the turn of the century by the Miller Brothers--Joe, Zack and, George, as the world famous Wild West Show.

Basic characteristics of the 4 early cowboy are still to be found in America's most competitive sport -- rodeo.

These will be seen as the more than 100 cowboys, professional athletes as disciplined as any in the sports world today, compete for more than $8,000 in prize money.

Rodeo performances will be 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 28, 29 and 30.

Today, the cowboy contestant finds a challenge in making his own way solely on ability, tempered with luck.

The daredevil competitive instinct of cowboys developed two of the major events in rodeo today -- bareback riding and bull riding. These are both spectacular and dangerous.

Equally as spectacular -- and perhaps more dangerous than  bareback -- is saddle bronc riding. Only the cowboy accustomed to hours in the saddle competes successfully in this standard event.

From the daring and challenge of "it's impossible," has come the present steer wrestling, or "doggin'," which throws the cowboy in the saddle onto 700 pounds of racing steer.

Steer wrestling pits human "know-how and cold nerve against brute force and raw animal instinct in one of the toughest events in the sport of rodeo." It originated with that early day cowhand of the 101 Ranch --- Bill Pickett.

Team work between cowboy and roping horse is the secret of good time in calf roping, which is an outgrowth of work on early day ranches.

Rodeo is truly a history of life in the west as it was lived on the prairie nearly a century ago.

101 SPECTACULAR ONLY WEEK AWAY;
TIME TO GO WESTERN IN PONCA CITY
TRICK RIDING AND ROPING are returning to the 101 Ranch Rodeo this year after a lapse of several years. J. W. Stoker, "the dean" of ropers and trick riders, will bring his troupe to entertain the thousands expected at the rodeo' each evening. Black light roping, probably one of the most imitated acts in rodeo, was originated by Stoker after performing for American servicemen in Korea. In one of his acts, Stoker makes an entrance through a large paper horseshoe, which is glowing under the magic of black-lites. As the white horse jumps through the horseshoe, it too lights up as though luminous. Stoker's entrance is accentuated by the spinning of a 75-foot rope called the "cowboy's wedding ring".

Don't go West --- go western!

Put on the string tie, don a wide-brimmed cowboy hat, wear a pair of jeans or western trousers with a western cut shirt and join in the spirit of the 101 Ranch Rodeo days in Ponca City.

Thursday evening there will be sounds of western music in downtown Ponca City as the Fireglows begin playing at 6 p.m. in the Rodeo Ticket office, 112 North Third.

ONE OF THE BUSIEST and most enthusiastic groups working to create interest in the 101 Spectacular and the 101 Ranch Rodeo are the Fireglows, widely known for their "western music with a modern touch." They have played in downtown Ponca City, will be in' the rodeo parade Saturday afternoon, on stage at the Spectacular Wednesday and provide background music for all pre-grand entry activities in the 101 Ranch Rodeo arena Thursday, Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. All of their time is being donated. For those who like to dance or to watch dancers, they will play for a dance immediately following the rodeo Friday and Saturday nights in the Universal Aviation Hangar at the Airport. Reserved seats for the Spectacular and each of the three rodeo performances may be secured at the Rodeo Ticket Office, 112 North Third, which will be open until 8:30 tonight and until 5 p.m. the remainder of the week. In the Fireglows are, left to right, Bill Henderson, drums; Bill Pruitt, steel guitar and lead guitar; Doug Roland, master of ceremonies, vocalist and rhythm guitar; Carl Adams, vocalist and lead guitar, and Ralph Pruitt,

Everyone is invited to come to North Third for the entertainment and perhaps tap a toe to the lively, rhythmic music.

Reserved seats for the 101 Spectacular to be Wednesday, August 27, in the Hutchins Memorial and for all or one of the three performanes of the rodeo can be picked up. The 1969 rodeo will be August 28, 29 and 30, with 8 p.m. performances.

Special pre-rodeo activities have been planned for each evening, beginning at 7 o'clock or before.

Never before has such an array of outstanding talent been secured for a 101 Ranch Rodeo or the two-hour spectacular.

Each performance will be an entirely new show, only the entertainers remaining the same. The songs, jokes, acts will be different.

Only one opportunity has been provided for persons to see and hear Linda Merrill, the versatile songstress with a "dynamic singing personality and cover-girl appeal.

On the stage and in the arena will be Rex Allen and the Men of the West, who proved so unusually popular when they appeared here in 1966.

As a distinct contrast there will be that incomparable pair, Homer and Jethro, whose style is beyond description and who must be heard in person to be  truly appreciated.

This is in addition to the top cowboys of the nation competing on some of the best stock in professional rodeo today, and one of the most outstanding trick riding acts ever put together.

This all adds up to four wonderful, fun-filled entertaining 101 Ranch Rodeo days in Ponca City.

Bulls Are Devils, They Remember!
"Never a cowboy that couldn't be throwed---never a bronc or a bull that couldn't be rode."

This has been the lure of the sport of. rodeo through its lusty rough-and-tumble history.

One of the greatest to follow its lure from ranch to the rodeo arena is Freckles, the Unsinkable, Unbelievable Mr. Brown of Soper, who has competed in the 101 Ranch Rodeo arena four years and is expected back this year.

In 1968, at the age of 48, Freckles placed third nationally in bull riding, even though a series of injuries either sidelined or curtailed him. But Freckles is endowed with an indefinable quality that makes him a phenomenon in the roughest, 'most dangerous event of any professional sport.

This is a man who has rodeoed professionally since 1938. No other sport can boast of, such a top-flight competitor.

When he comes out of the chutes---watch him. He is known as a "hustler," always moving back and forth on the bull's back to get the best position for the best ride.

"There is a lot of action when you ride a Brahma," Brown says. "They are unpredictable critters---a lot faster and quicker' than a bronc." Freckles said the toughest part in riding a bull is remaining flexible aboard the broad back as the big animal whirls and bucks, his skin sliding across the spine like the skin on a dog's neck.

"You have to. be completely flexible from the waist up," Brown said. "Balance is the main thing. Always keep your head and shoulders moving the same way the bull is." The spinning bull is more dangerous than the bull that bucks to. get his rider off, the veteran said. "There is more danger of being trampled or butted if a rider falls to the inside." The bullrider's art doesn't end when he hits the dirt. Surviving is a big part of the job.

When' you hit the dirt, you just keep moving, rolling and turning away from the bull. If you lie still he can kill you, but as long as you are rolling he will slip off and you'll only get scratched and bruised.

Unlike bronc riding, pickup men an horses are not used in bull riding. The bulls charge horses and could cause serious injury to horse and rider. The only help ready for the fallen bull rider is the preposterous rodeo clowns with his antics and his open-ended bright red barrel.

Clown's Real Job Is Bullfighting
The ridiculous looking clowns, with their outlandish flapping costumes, goading a murderous Brahma bull into a head-on charge is not just a rodeo clown.

NICE BULL! N...I...C...E BULL, we'll tickle your nose for yah

He is a bullfighter, serious in his profession and trusted by the cowboys, often with their lives.

Bulls are devils. They are the only rodeo stock that is out to kill. The bronc, as soon as it is rid of its rider, tries to avoid the conquered, cowboy if possible.

But not the Brahma bulls!

The men who ride the bulls know that the clown is not in the arena with him just as an added attraction to provide the spectators with laughs and a few added thrills to supplement the eight seconds or less of action on the bull.

In that dangerous split-second when the cowboy parts company with the Brahma, the rodeo clown is the most important person in the world. It is up to him to make the enraged bull to forget the tormentor on his back long enough for the rider to fling himself clear of the flailing hooves and butting head.

Buck LeGrand, who has clowned the National Finals Rodeo and in Madison Square Garden as the choice of the cowboys, makes it look easy, Buck may clown, but that it is serious business can be seen in his face as he intently watches bull and rider.

Buck knows there is only one way to make the enraged bull forget the rider--he must make the bull madder at him than he is at the cowboy.

Most bulls are old campaigners, becoming incredibly smart.

They don't drop their heads and charge, They keep their eyes riveted on a man until the last second and then hook one horn with the speed and accuracy of a fencer.

Because some have learned the first move doesn't pay, they become cagey and just stand in the arena until a move is made toward them. Then they try to catch a man when he is off balance and the advantage is theirs.

Cowboys will tell you that bulls are like people!

Why does the rodeo clown risk his life night after night fighting the bulls to protect a cowboy he may know only slightly?

Ask Buck, or Gary Parli who will be clowning with him.

Each will have his own answer.

101 RODEO OPENING TONIGHT; REX ALLEN, HOMER, JETHRO HERE
Rodeo Will Run Through Saturday Familiar cowboys and those who have never appeared in the 101 Ranch arena are among the 163 entries for the 1969 rodeo which begins tonight at 8 o'clock.

They come from 12 states Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Kansas, Arkansas, Montana, Nebraska and Minnesota.

In addition, 27 girls will be in competition for the prize money in barrel racing.

Entry fees and the purse of $3,850 put up by the 101 Ranch Rodeo Foundation brings the prize money up for grabs to $7,450.

Pre-grand entry activity in the arena begins at 7 o'clock with the 101 Memorial Trail Hiders and the Ponca Trailblazers parading. Theses These two groups have been riding the trails and the pastures since Sunday, heading for the rodeo grounds.

The nine lovely queen candidates will be introduced at 7:35, after which Miss Janie Roby, the 1968 of the 101 Ranch Rodeo, will appear in the arena and demonstrate the horsemanship qualities of a queen.

During the pre-rodeo, music will be furnished by the Fireglows.

Behind the microphone will be the golden voice of rodeo, Mel Lambert of Salem, Ore., who is making his first appearance here. This is Lambert's first visit to Oklahoma,  although he has been an announcer for more than 20 years announcing "the big ones."

If the 101 Spectacular was a preview of the special entertainers for the rodeo, the crowds will be treated to the finest between-events show in the history of the 101 Ranch Rodeo.

Rex Allen and the Men of the West need no introduction to Ponca Citians. Homer and Jethro, while never having appeared here before, can count their Ponca City fans by the hundreds, if not thousands. T

The Rodeo Ticket Office will remain open at 112 North Third until 5 p.m. then will be moved to the rodeo grounds. All seats are reserved. The $2 advance sale tickets will be exchanged for $2.50 reserved seats at the downtown ticket office. All seats at the rodeo grounds will be $2.50 for reserved seats and $3.50 for box seats.

MORE TOP COWBOYS COMPETING TONIGHT
Layne Leader In Bull Riding, 2nd in Bareback The 101 Ranch Rodeo is right in there with all others across the country.

It is not the same --- it is better!

World champion cowboys competed at the opening performance Thursday evening and others will be going out tonight and Saturday.

While the same stars will entertaining the crowds at the rodeo both nights  there will be no repeat performances.

The crowd was unusually responsive, not only to the entertainers and the trick riders, but to the cowboys, applauding their successes and cheering them when a good try brought them only a goose egg.

Mel Lambert, announcer, told the spectators he was not going to ask for applause and it was never necessary.

Tonight there will be activity in the arena beginning at 6 o'clock, when the queen contestants will be judged on their horsemanship. This is open to all interested persons and there is no admission charge. At 7:15, Mike Sokoll and the trick ropers will perform and then the men here for the 101 Cowboy' Association reunion are to be introduced. Miss Janie Roby, the 1968 queen,  will ride, to complete the pre-grand entry activity.

Saturday at 2:30 p.m. will be the annual rodeo parade on Grand Avenue, with the hundreds of riders going on to the rodeo grounds ready for the grand entry at 8 o'clock.

Everyone will want to be at the rodeo early the last night for the crowning of the 1969 queen, scheduled for 7:15. Following the ceremonies she will ride the pattern which counts 50 percent toward the title.

Coming out tonight will be such champion cowboy athletes  as Clyde Vanvoras of Burkburnett, Tex., the 1968 world champion bareback rider who is fourth in the current standings.

Jim Houston, Omaha, Neb. holder of two world bareback bronc riding crowns and runner-up for the 1968 All Around Cowboy title, will be seen in action. In 1962, Houston was Rookie of the Year. He competes in bareback and steer  wrestling and by the end of 1968 had won $140,880 as a professional cowboy athlete.

Leonard Lancaster, Burkburnett, Tex., one of the best liked cowboys in the sport gained his experience trying, out bucking horses, will come out of the  chutes in saddle bronc.

Junior Garrison, Marlow, won the calf roping crown in only his third season as a professional cowboy, beating seven time champion Dean Oliver for the crown. His rope has won him nearly $92,000 in the last four years.

Running the barrels will be LaVonna Hurst, who won the queen's title at the National Finals Rodeo.

The Saturday night performance will determine the winner at the 101 Ranch Rodeo All Around title. The Guy Shultz Memorial Trophy will be presented to the cowboy who wins the most money in two or more events, This will be decided only after the last champion has competed in the arena.

In the lead after Thursday night is Phil Layne of George West, Tex., who is competing in bareback, bull riding, and steer wrestling. Layne is a former intercollegiate champion cowboy, He scored 62 in bareback, for second money, half no time in calf roping and leads in bull riding with 66 points.
 

WEST TEXAS COWBOY WINS ALL-AROUND CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AT 101 RANCH RODEO. “Big Crowd Sees Final Rodeo Show” One of the largest crowds ever to fill a 101 Ranch Rodeo stands and by the far the most enthusiastic saw 163 entries compete for $7,450 in prize money Saturday night.

Phil Lyne, George, West Texas, was named All-Around Champion and received the second annual trophy from the widow of Guy Shultz, early day cowboy who was the only one ever to bulldog a buffalo.

Lyne altogether won $385.14. Other cowboys won more money, but did not compete in two or more events. Lyne, who is in his first year of professional rodeo, has won top money at many to the biggest rodeos. Houston was his biggest win, $4,539. He is the only cowboy in his first year of pro-rank to go out in four events—bareback, saddle bronc, calf roping and bull riding. He has been roping calves since he was four years old, riding bulls since he was 10 years, bareback riding since 11, but waited until he was 19 to try his luck on a saddle bronc. He is a student at Sam Houston College, Huntsville, Tex., majoring in agricultural education and math. He and his brother, L. J., ranch 18 sections.

The first accident of the 1969 rodeo occurred at the end of the bull riding Saturday night. Hans Borst, Wichita, was thrown, and then stepped on by a bull. An ambulance was called for, but by the time it arrived a few seconds later, Borst said he was okay and refused to get in.

Three cowboys split first in bareback riding. Two split for fourth place. Gary Tucker, Carlsbad, N.N. Denny Wingate, Leon, Kan., and Chris LeDoux, Kaycee, Wyoming, each rode for a score of 65 points. Thil Lyen, West Texas and Jim Houston, Omaha, one of the bareback greats of rodeo, turned in 65 rides. Lyen, George West Tex., is Intercollegiate Cowboy Champion and is in his first year of pro rodeo.

In Calf roping, the average was won by Howard Nichols, Mesa, Ariz., who took 26.2 on two head. Fastest time of the rodeo was turned in by Ernest Taylor, Hugo, Tex. who roped a calf in 11.1.

Buddy Geter, in his first year of pro rodeo roped his calf in the second fastest time with and11.6 Geter was Texas Youth All Around Cowboy Champion for the past two years. For his trip to the 101 Rodeo the young student will go home with $289.93 in his pocket. Geter, as well as turning in the second fastest time, split for second in the average with Rex Bland, Abilene, Tex.

Terri Lewis, Big Springs, Tex., turned the barrels in 18.5 to win $148. LaVonna Hurst, Fort Supply, Miss National Finals Rodeo, was second running .1 of a second longer. Second place paid $111. Pattie Prather, Post, Tex., took 18.7 around the barrels and $74, for third place. Standing fourth for $37 was Becky LeGrand, daughter of rodeo-famous clown Buck LeGrand of Sedan, Kan. Her time was 18.8.

Leonard Lancaster of Oklahoma City, who has missed few 101 Ranch Rodeos, usually winning a trip to the pay window, won the average in saddle bronc riding with a score of 131 on two broncs.

Jon Day, El Dorado, Kan., doctor of veterinarian, who was the official vet at the recent Madison Square Gardens Rodeo, was second with 120 points. Brandon McReynolds, Ancrews, Tex. who often competes here, turned 119 for his rides. Sammy Groves, Lubbock, took fourth wit 115 points.

In steer wrestling the fastest time was 5.8 by Bob Littrell, Marlow, for which he pocketed $727.16 C. R. Boucher, Burkburnett, Tex., several-time world champion steer 6.1 for $545.37. Benny Combs, Checotah, took a tenth of a second longer to pocket $363.58 Billy Hale, also of Checotah, was one-tenth of a second behind Combs for a 6.3 throw and $181.79.

In bullriding which pays the second highest for any one single event $627.20 went to Charlie McCallum, Mesquite, Tex., for his ride of 73 points. Freckles Brown, Soper, former bullriding champion and favorite of the 101 Ranch Rodeo fans, scored 68 for $470.40 Lyne and Freddie Fields, Robert E. Lee, Tex., split third with each making a ride of 66. Pay was $235.20

Featuring:

Announcer – Mel Lambert, “the golden voice of rodeo”

Specialty Act – The J. W. Stocker troupe with their trick riding and roping and fancy horse catches.

Rex Allen & the Men of the West
The Tennessee Wits – Homer & Jethro

Bull Fighter – Ponca City’s own, Buck LeGrand

Stock Contractor – “for the third successive year” – Elra Beutler & Son

Rodeo Dance – Friday & Saturday, held in the Universal Aviation Hanger at the airport with music by the Fireglows.

The prize purse was raised to $3,500, or $700 for each of the five standard events – bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, calf roping, & steer wrestling.

163 entries from 12 states for the rodeo.