City of Monroe, LA

Mayor Jamie Mayo and the Monroe City Council are pleased to join the Department of Community Affairs, the Real Cowboy Association, and event sponsors to invite the media and public to Monroe Civic Center Arena for a PRESS CONFERENCE, 12 noon Friday, July 21, to officially kickoff the 17th Annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo weekend.

Mayor Jamie Mayo, founder of the annual event, comments, "Throughout the calendar year, excited rodeo fans tell us how much they anticipate this action packed event. Over the years, a total of well more than 50,000 fans have seen a diverse group of more than 300 cowboys and cowgirls compete, each year, in traditional rodeo events. We always have an energized crowd jam-packed in the civic center arena. We have great
competition, great music and a great deal of family-fun! We encourage everyone throughout northeast Louisiana, and the Ark-La-Miss region to mark your calendar and bring out the entire family for a fan-favorite show which benefits the O.K. Program of Monroe."

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FOLLOWING 2016 RODEO EVENTS

RODEO PRESS CONFERENCE - 12 noon Friday, July 21st in Monroe Civic Center Arena.

MAYOR PROCLAIMS RODEO WEEKEND - Mayor Jamie Mayo has proclaimed Friday, July 21 through Saturday, July 22, as Bayou Black Open Rodeo Weekend, and is encouraging city workers and rodeo fans to wear their best western wear to work, around town, and to the main event on those days.

PARADE – 9 am Saturday, July 22nd. The parade will travel a roughly 2+ mile course from the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Monroe Civic Center Parking Lot. Lineup will begin at 8 am. Bring out the kids and pick out your favorite spot along the parade route to catch candy and other items.

The exact PARADE ROUTE will begin at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, Travel north up Wilson Street, Continue north on South 2nd Street, Turn Right on Orange Street, Turn Left on South 8th Street, and end at the Monroe Civic Center parking lot.

TAILGATING - 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, July 22nd in the Civic Center Parking Lot. Rodeo fans, Horse clubs, and cowboys and cowgirls participating in the rodeo traditionally set up their RV's, Tents, Grills, and Fish Fryers for some lunchtime pre-rodeo tailgating. The public is encouraged to bring your food & drink and join in the fun!

RODEO MAIN EVENT - 7 pm Saturday, July 22nd in the Monroe Civic Center Arena. The doors to the Monroe Civic Center Arena will open at 6 pm; and, the Grand Entry will begin at 7 pm for the "Baddest Show on Dirt!" We will sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com