"WILD WEST RODEO AT PLAIN DEALING"

Captain Johnny Almer Jones, Sr. 1953
Anonymous Donor, 2002.031.001

The Plain Dealing Progress announced in its October 25, 1934 issue a “mammoth rodeo and Armistice Day celebration.”

“With a large number of printed advertising circulars, Roach-Strayhan Post No. 20 of the American Legion at Plain Dealing announces a great Armistice Day Celebration and Wild West Rodeo to be held at Lions Park in Plain Dealing on Saturday and Sunday, November 10th and 11th.”

“Those in charge of the arrangements for the forthcoming rodeo and celebration here state that although definite plans have not yet been worked out, the rodeo will include bronco busting, steer bull-dogging, calf roping, wild cow milking, goat roping, trick and fancy riding and roping, along with a number of other contests, with liberal cash prizes being awarded in all events.”

“Wild stock for the rodeo here will be secured locally and from all over the Southwest. Professional rodeo performers will be here for the occasion from over the Southwest also. A number of local riders and cowmen have already registered intention of competing for prizes also.”

“The rodeo will begin at noon next Saturday week with a big parade down Plain Dealing’s main thoroughfare. The actual contests will begin in the Park at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and another performance will be held at the same hours the following Sunday afternoon. Fees of 35 and 50 cents will be charged at the gate at each performance, the proceeds to benefit the welfare fund of the local unit and post of the American Legion Auxiliary.”

“Those in charge of the arrangements for the rodeo state that the usual rules and regulations governing rodeos throughout the Southwest will be observed in the contests here, and the Legion and Auxiliary will not be responsible for accidents.”

“The rodeo and Armistice Day Celebrations and activities will be culminated on Saturday evening, Nov. 10th, with a public dance and cowboy and cowgirl costume and liberal cash prizes will be awarded those / attired in the most unique costume. Admission to the dance will be $1.00 for gents, and ladies free, it is announced.”

Armistice Day, November 11, is now celebrated as Veteran’s Day. To discover how other holidays were celebrated in Bossier Parish, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton