ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Altus Air Force Base will be hosting its 14th annual Cattle Drive, in conjunction with the 34st annual PRCA Great Plains Stampede Rodeo, Aug. 23, at Altus AFB.

97th Air Mobility Wing Commander Colonel Anthony B. Krawietz, along with other military personnel and rodeo team members will lead more than 30 Longhorn cattle on a three-mile drive on the installation, kicking off the rodeo. It is a tradition that started Aug. 26, 1999. Anyone with a DOD ID can participate in the drive.

The 34th Great Plains Stampede rodeo is set for 8 p.m. nightly, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, featuring many events including Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, Team and Tie-Down Calf Roping and Steer Wrestling.

Thursday is always Military Appreciation Night at the rodeo, with a free BBQ dinner held at 6 p.m.at the arena for all rodeo ticket holders. Many military personnel will be competing in the rodeo competitions. There will also be fun events with teams from various squadrons competing in a ten-person-team Tug-O-War and a Wheelbarrow Race.

The rodeo parade starts Saturday at noon on Main Street in downtown Altus. This year’s theme is “Cowboys and Camo.”