Friday, April 1, 2022 - This weekend, the first "John Perry Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo" will take place at the Sallisaw Rodeo grounds. The junior rodeo, which is approved by the Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association (OJRA), will begin at 10 a.m. each day.
Organizer, and son of the rodeo's namesake, JP Wickett, has an impressive list of expertise when it comes to the rodeo business. Wickett said, "I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of the rodeo world."
Wickett’s mom and dad were the owners and operators of Wickett’s Western Wear in downtown Sallisaw for over 40 years. Wickett gives his parents credit for setting the foundation that ultimately led to his successful life as a cowboy.
"I remember growing up and being at the store, which back then was also known as the ' shop for the guys who rodeoed.' I feel very fortunate because, as a child, my mom and dad always made sure that I had the opportunity to attend all rodeo-related activities," Wickett said. "This is my life and how I was raised, and now that I am slowing down, I want to do the same for my kids, and for those in the community. I thought organizing a rodeo in my father’s name could be my way of carrying on the family tradition.
Wickett hopes to make this an annual event and has been shown an enormous amount of support from the community. "I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this community. They have bent over backwards to help me, and many businesses and organizations have provided sponsorships," Wickett added.
Rodeo Church will be held Sunday at 9 a.m. prior to the start of the event. There will also be an awards ceremony after the competition on Sunday and all-around buckles will go out to the top cowboy and cowgirl in each age group.
For questions or to pre-register you can call 918-931-2651 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can also go to the OJRA’s Facebook page to see more detailed information such as events and age groups.
The Mix 105.1 will be broadcasting live from the rodeo grounds, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
留言