The 79th annual Mangum Mounties Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday, June 17 & 18.

Celebrating 79 years, the annual Mangum Mountie Rodeo begins Friday at 8 pm nightly for main performaces and 7 pm nightly for the kids action.

Rodeo fans will see contestants from all over compete for over $9,000 in cash awards in action packed events on tough stock, porvided by Hext Rodeo Co of Canadian, Texas - saddle and bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, break-away, team roping, bull riding and women's barrel racing. Returning for his second year Jim Pugh will keep the audience on top of the action with his play by play commentary.

Nightly performances open with a fast paced patriotic presentation, Clown Roscoe Finley and this year's specialty act, The One Arm Bandit & Co featuring Lynn Payne, will entertain rodeo fans between events.

There will be concessions on the grounds with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, cold drinks and homemade ice cream provided by the Church of New Beginnings.Other activities include the Best of the West Art Show, a Quilt Show, Arts & Crafts, Fiddler’s Contest, and a parade.

Advance tickets on are now on sale at The Loop and DeWayne’s Auto, or for more information call (580)706-0070 or (580)706-0397.

The parade is open to any business, organization, church, youth group, motorcycle club, riding club, tractor club, antique car clubs, etc., that would like to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded for those placing 1st-3rd place in the categories of float, riding clubs, and antique cars/tractors.

All parade participants receive a free ticket to the Mangum Mounties Rodeo to be held on the downtown square at noon on Saturday, June 18. There will be barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, bread, pickles, onions and bread with drink for $8 a plate. Tickets for the barbecue can also be purchased at the event. Also you can purchase your 79th Annual Mangum Mountie Rodeo T-Shirt at the barbecue.