Downtown parade is 4 p.m. Saturday
Okmulgee will be busy this weekend, with thousands attending and enjoying the 68th Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo.
Lots of excitement is in store at the Bob Arrington Arena at the Muscogee Nation Complex, as cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events.
Contestants compete in the various events including Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Pony Express, Ladies Steer Wrestling, Ladies Barrel Racing, Wild Horse Race, Jr. Barrels (12 and under) and Jr. Breakaway (15 and under).
According to Promoter Kenneth LeBlanc, the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Admission is $15 per night, or save and buy a weekend pass for $20.
LeBlanc issued a warning about possible ticket scams this week to those planning to attend. Tickets are only available at the game beginning today, and must be purchased there.
Mutton-bustin is scheduled at 7 p.m. each night before the rodeo begins.
Sponsors this year include the City of Okmulgee, One Fire Casino, First Family Federal Credit Union, James Allred Edward Jones Investment Banking, Cowboy World, Black Rodeo USA and Yeti.
The Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo is the nation’s oldest African-American rodeo, one of the state’s longest running rodeos and one of the largest African- American sporting events in the nation.
The annual rodeo parade will be on Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. in downtown Okmulgee.
Khalilah Smith, Miss Rodeo Michigan, will be a part of Opening Ceremonies at the rodeo. She’s part of Miss Rodeo America Pageant System.
Also on Saturday, Rodeo Announcer Marcous Friday of An- other Friday Production, stated there will be a moment to honor fallen cowboys during the opening ceremony. Those being remembered include:
• Bob Wilson – Okmulgee
• Don Clark – Oakland, Calif.
• Hoyle Fleming – Acres Home, Texas
• Ouncie Mitchell – Houston, Texas
• Russell Bowler – For more information, call Kenneth LeBlanc at 918-7560761 or visit the Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo Facebook Page for updates.
Other activities planned this weekend for the community will be the 3rd annual 5th Street Gathering, located on 5th Street between Muskogee and Severs.
Organizer Tonya Bowie of PSR, along with community sponsors, have put together area craft and food vendors, a large Kids Zone thanks to Clearview Church, lots of booths with community resources and information, along with Rev. Sheri Lashley and the First United Methodist Church members giving away ice cold water to attendees.
There is also the return of the Robert Rentie Car Show during the event, which begins at 10 a.m. Vendors will be open until 6 p.m. following the conclusion of the parade in downtown Okmulgee.
— Also on Saturday The Dunbar Alumni Association will provide a free breakfast to the first 150 people to attend Saturday morning, Aug. 12, from 8-10 a.m. at the Dunbar Center (formerly Banneker School), 420 E. 2nd St. in Okmulgee. Stop by to eat breakfast and get out of the heat.
Beginning at 11 a.m. at the Dunbar Community Center, there will be a bounce house for the kids, a cooling station to escape the heat, vendors, a backpack giveaway, special speakers and performers.
A Back 2 School Bash will be held at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Central, 521 N. Central in Okmulgee. Free backpacks and school supplies for all grades will be given away, alongside a free BBQ cookout.
