Angola Rodeo Background History:
The Angola Rodeo, the longest running prison rodeo in the nation, got its start in 1965. The first arena was small, built by a handful of dedicated inmates and personnel. It wasn't much in those days, and the rodeo was staged just for the entertainment of prisoners and employees. In 1997, spectator capacity was expanded by 1000 seats and construction of a roof over the seating area began to provide increased comfort for spectators under Louisiana's blazing October sun. Hobby craft space was also expanded to the point where it is no longer just a little concession area on the side for some inmate organizations to make a few bucks. It is now an all-day full-blown arts and crafts festival, complete with entertainment and food galore. The arts and crafts festival begins at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the rodeo which begins at 2 p.m. each Sunday in October. Many fans come to the rodeo for the arts and crafts show alone.
Ticket, concession, and hobby craft sales for the next two years broke all records, prompting the administration to build another arena. Construction began on the new stadium in April 2000 and increased capacity to 7,500. The new stadium was completed for the first rodeo in 2000.
What began 40 years ago as a "fun" thing by a handful of rodeo-loving inmates and employees is now big business. Proceeds from the Angola Prison Rodeo cover rodeo expenses and supplement the Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmate Welfare Fund which provides for inmate educational and recreational supplies.
A few of my girlfriends, SIL, and the kids went to the rodeo.
I have never been so this was a first for me. We left early that morning so we could get there in plenty of time to try all of the food and look at all the hobby craft areas.
We made it
Its a 20 mile road. There is only one way in and one way out
They had Fried Coke
I have never heard or tried fried coke so I knew I had to give it a try.
As a Dr. Pepper-aholic I do love coca cola products
The Hobby Craft area: there was so much so look at
This is a prisoner doing his artwork
The kids rode the ferris wheel
Mauri found her a rocking chair just her sized she wanted to buy
We gathered in the arena ready to watch the rodeo.
It was packed in there and I do believe almost every seat was taken.
Maci and I ready to watch the rodeo
The kids found them a spot and they stayed there almost the whole time
Grand Entry
Angola Rough Riders enter the arena at full gallop and colors are presented.
Bust Out
All six chutes open simultaneously, releasing six angry bulls, with temporarily attached inmate cowboys. The last man to remain on the bull wins the event.
Bareback Riding
Riders are expected to keep one hand in the air, and must stay on the horse for eight seconds to qualify.
Wild Horse Race
Six wild horses are simultaneously released into the arena with short ropes dragging behind them. Three-man teams attempt to grab the ropes and hold the horse long enough for a team member to mount. The first team to cross the finish line while still on top of the horse is the winner.
Barrel Racing
This is the only event in which inmates do not participate. It is a tour stop for The Girl's Rodeo Association. Contestants race their horse in a pattern between three carefully placed barrels. The fastest time wins.
Bull-Dogging
The animal is placed in a chute, with two cowboys positioned just outside the chute. Their job is to wrestle the animal to the ground as quickly as possible. The team with the best time earns points toward the coveted "All-around Cowboy" award.
Buddy Pick-Up
This event requires one man on a horse (riding bareback) to navigate the length of the arena, pick up another inmate who is standing on a barrel, and race back to the finish line.
Wild Cow Milking
Teams of inmate cowboys chase the animals around the arena trying to extract a little milk. The first team to bring milk to the judge wins the prize.
Bull Riding
This dangerous and wide open event is what the fans come to see. Inexperienced inmates sit on top of a 2,000 pound Brahma bull. To be eligible for the coveted "All-Around Cowboy" title, a contestant must successfully complete the ride (6 seconds). The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rules govern this event.
Convict Poker
It's the ultimate poker game, and even winning has a price. Four inmate cowboys sit at a table in the middle of the arena playing a friendly game of poker. Suddenly, a wild bull is released with the sole purpose of unseating the poker players. The last man remaining seated is the winner.
Guts & Glory
A chit (poker chip) is tied to the meanest, toughest Brahma bull available. The object here is to get close enough to the bull in order to snatch the chit. This is the last event of the day, and perhaps the most exciting.
We had the best time and made fun memories. I cant wait to go back again in October and hopefully Nick will be out of the field and can make it too.
