By Staff
WILD RIDE A participant takes a wild horse ride in a past Ralph Morgan Rodeo. Athletes from all over the Southeast will meet in Lauderdale today and Saturday for the 53rd semi-annual rodeo. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
April 19, 2002
Ride em, cowboy!
Rodeo fans get ready because it's that time of the year again time for the Ralph Morgan Rodeo in Lauderdale.
The Morgan Arena will once again be the site for the 53rd semi-annual event, produced by Harper-Morgan Rodeo Co.
The two-day event starts tonight and continues Saturday, with shows set for 7:30 p.m. both days. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children; the rodeo will go on, rain or shine.
About 200 athletes from around the Southeast will compete in events, which will include barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, steer wrestling and saddle bronco riding.
The Ralph Morgan Rodeo has a rich tradition in Lauderdale. Last year, the April and August rodeos attracted overflowing crowds.
In addition to the two nights of riding and roping, legendary clown prince Lecile Harris will be around to dole out plenty of his brand of humor.
Harris will harass angry bulls and horses, just as he has done for more than 35 years.
He also will be assisted by his partner, rodeo master of ceremonies Mike Mathis best known for his plaintive cry of "Lecile!" anytime he is close to uttering anything risque' at the family crowd.
RALPH MORGAN RODEO
When: Friday and Saturday
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Morgan Arena in Lauderdale
Tickets: Adults $10, children, $6