The “Greatest Show on Dirt” is returning to Hattiesburg January 24 and 25 for the 39th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo.
The family-friendly event, hosted by The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Campus Recreation, will take place at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center. Dating back to 1986, this Pine Belt tradition is full of thrills, laughter, and lively competition.
Whether you are cheering on the daring bull riders, watching trick ropers in action, or laughing with the rodeo clown, everyone is sure to find something to love at the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo.
Watch in awe as the brave cowboys and cowgirls show off their elite skills in competition and entertain the crowd through a variety of events, including bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping, and the ever-popular bull riding. The top riders are eligible to qualify for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo, held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a professionally produced rodeo with a mission to raise money for student recognition, the event would not be possible without support from generous sponsors and spectators.
“We are fortunate that the rodeo continues to be produced by Harper-Morgan Rodeo Company, the producers of the Dixie National Rodeo,” said Mark Crager, director of Southern Miss Campus Recreation. “Because of the rodeo’s quality and consistency, its success has allowed us to be able to provide scholarships annually to Southern Miss students.”
Each night, the rodeo will feature a special act from entertainer Jerry Thornton along with his black stallion Mr. Bojangles, a Hurricane Katrina rescue animal.
After rescue, Mr. Bojangles was set to become a pet for Thornton’s grandkids; however, once realizing the stallion’s untapped talent and ability to take direction, Thornton began to train him as an elite trick horse. Together they entertain thousands across the country, performing at western shows and rodeos alike.
Some of Mr. Bojangles tricks include doing the twist to the Chubby Checker song The Twist, pretending to be a camel drinking water, and marching to When the Saints Go Marching In. Always a crowd favorite, the horse loves to wave to the crowd and sit like a dog.
Another feature this year is rodeo Grand Marshal Allyson Easterwood, vice president for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer for The University of Southern Mississippi. Easterwood is a 25-year university administrative employee who believes in the mission of the rodeo and supporting quality entertainment brought to the Pine Belt.
Grand Marshal Allyson Easterwood
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as the Grand Marshal for the 39th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo,” said Easterwood. “Being part of an event with such a rich history and knowing it supports student scholarships and professional growth makes this experience especially meaningful. After nearly 25 years of working at Southern Miss, I am as passionate as ever about helping our students succeed and become ready for life beyond our campus. I look forward to celebrating this tradition with our community and supporting the futures of our talented students.”
The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Concessions and vendors will be onsite. Tickets are available in advance at Boot Country and Hub City West Farm and Garden and will be sold exclusively at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center Box Office on event days. They are $15 in advance and $20 starting January 24. All seats are reserved and have chair backs.
Visit usm.edu/campus-recreation/rodeo.php for more information.
-
April Jordan is the assistant director of marketing for Southern Miss Campus Recreation. An accomplished communications professional, she enjoys helping students find their fit at Southern Miss and leave ready for life.
