Annual Cattle Drive and Great Plains Stampede Rodeo returns to Altus

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The base cattle drive, Military Night at the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo and rodeo parade in the City of Altus is scheduled for Aug. 25-27.

"The cattle drive connects the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo to the base and shows appreciation for all the support that the base provides to the rodeo and the Altus community," said Master Sgt. Joshua Wilberg, 58th Airlift Squadron military affairs representative for the rodeo committee.

Those who would like to ride horses in the cattle drive must be able to provide their own horse and arrive at the base softball field by 9:15 a.m. Military dress for the participants is flight suits, Battle Dress Uniforms or Airman Battle Uniforms. Civilian dress for participants is boots or tennis shoes and long sleeve shirts and jeans. Those who ride in the cattle drive are eligible to ride in the Grand Entry at the rodeo and the parade Aug. 27.

"The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo is the premier rodeo in the area, drawing top notch competitors from all over the nation to compete in the events," Wilberg said.

Each ticket holder is eligible for a free chuck-wagon dinner, provided by the Military Affairs Committee and the GPSR Association, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Wilberg said, the cattle drive is a tradition that started Aug. 26, 1999, with 15 riders driving a herd of about 30 long-horn cattle, winding through the streets of Altus AFB. The cattle drive route is approximately 3.5 miles and goes through the main portions of the base and housing. The cattle drive also goes past Rivers Elementary School to give the kids an opportunity to see the cattle.

Streets along the cattle drive route will be closed off during the cattle drive until the cattle pass. The 97th Security Forces Squadron will provide an escort for the cattle drive and redirect traffic as needed along the route.

The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo Association and the Altus Military Affairs Committee are sponsoring the rodeo and cattle drive.

A tug-of-war and wheelbarrow race for base personnel will be held Aug. 25, at the rodeo. Both contests will have a $250 prize for their squadron booster club. Contestants will receive a free ticket to the rodeo, but family members must purchase a ticket. The tug-of-war consists of eight, 10-man teams. Contestants should be in the arena by 6:30 p.m. The wheel barrow race consists of 8-10, two-man teams and contestants should be in the arena half-way through the rodeo.

Those who would like to sign up for an event should e-mail Lisa Holland, lisa.holland@altus.af.mil, by Aug. 23.

Dress requirements for those who ride in the rodeo arena are boots, long-sleeve shirt, jeans and cowboy hat. Flight suits, BDUs or ABUs and boots are also acceptable.

Along with the cattle drive and rodeo, there will be a rodeo parade in the City of Altus.

The parade line starts Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. at the west end of the Altus City Reservoir and the parade begins at noon. Prizes for the best floats during the parade are; first place, $200; second place, $100; and third place, $50. To enter a float, contact Keitha Kerr, (580) 471-4621. Participants' dress for those riding horses is long sleeve shirts, jeans and boots, or flight suits, BDUs or ABUs. A free lunch will be provided after the parade at the rodeo arena for the participants who rode in the parade.

Any questions about the cattle drive, rodeo or parade can be directed to Lisa Holland, 481-7213, or Master Sgt. Joshua Wilberg, (843) 906-6149.