10th Annual Rodeo Miami Fast Facts
Where: Miami, Oklahoma Fairgrounds, 1129 E. St. SW
Admission: Adults One-Day Advance – $10/Gate Price – $12; Adult Two-Days Advance – $15/Gate Price – $20; Children 12 & Under – $5
Events: Bareback Bronc Riding / Breakaway Roping / Bull Riding / Cowgirl’s Barrel Racing / Saddle Bronc Riding / Senior Team Roping / Steer Wrestling / Team Roping / Tie-Down Racing
Sanctions: American Cowboys Rodeo Association (ACRA) & International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA)
Host: Hampton Rodeo Company
Contact: 479.750.4813 or www.facebook.com/rodeomiamiokla/
Cowboys and Cowgirls Coming to Town in Early May For 10th Annual Rodeo Miami
Rodeo Miami has been a major attraction for this Northeastern Oklahoma town for nearly a decade and is sure to generate a great deal of excitement in a few weeks when this 10th annual extravaganza takes place Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.
“Rodeo Miami has been named American Cowboy Rodeo Association (ACRA) Rodeo of the Year for each of the nine years it’s been produced as Rodeo Miami,” says Amanda Davis, who serves as executive director of Visit Miami OK-CVB and director of tourism of the City of Miami, as well as Rodeo Miami promotions chair. “The event draws more than 400 contestants annually.
“It’s a pretty big deal, and the payout at Rodeo Miami is one of the tops in our area. It’s a great family-fun event, and the entertainment is always top notch. Bob Carder and his team produce a great event.”
Davis gives Carder kudos for his tremendous leadership from the beginning years of this rodeo and says, “Bob has volunteered hours with the county fair board and 4-H clubs over the years. His family is heavily involved with the NEO rodeo program, and he had a vision for this event.”
A whole lot of people help put it all together while working to make the actual rodeo itself successful and Davis says, “Hundreds of hours are donated by many members of our rodeo committee, and no one is paid to run this event. It’s a labor of love for our community.
“The City of Miami has been involved and assisted financially as it’s one of the biggest events held in our city each year with nearly 13,000 attendees over the two-day event. That’s a lot of trailers and trucks filling up gas tanks and lots of families eating out in our community. It’s a great partnership.
“Rodeo Miami has been successful in filling the stands, and fans from the Four States come out each year, and that keeps us going and growing.
“Rodeo Miami has a solid base of support volunteers. We have nearly 60 boots on the ground during the event to help make it run smooth. The city, college (NEO) and Rodeo Miami Committee want to provide a great event that keeps fans coming back. Rodeo Miami fans really are the best.”
Ultimately, what makes Davis beam with pride is how this event impacts Miami. “Rodeo Miami continues to win awards, and it brings thousands of visitors that are supporting our local economy. For each new dollar spent in Miami, it turns over seven times.
“Our dining and hotel partners see returns, and we know the gas pumps stay busy. Over the years, Rodeo Miami has been able to give back to our local community. We’ve made donations to the NEO Aggie Department as high as $10,000 at a time and large donations to local 4-H clubs and other programs.”
But, that’s not all, and Davis smiles especially big knowing, “We have been able to raise funds through donations and help those fighting cancer as part of the Rodeo Miami Pink Night held on Saturday. Rodeo Miami has also supported local schools and helped fund many projects and activities in numerous organizations.
“We appreciate the support from the business community, and we hope to grow this event and work to bring in more dollars to our economy.”