J Bar J Rodeo

Friday September 10th 2010 @ 8pm
Saturday September 11th 2010 @ 8pm
Courtesy of Charlotte Frontier Days

Are you ready to rodeo?

BEAUTIFUL WOMEN ON BEAUTIFUL PAINT HORSES bear whipping flags into the arena, and sprays of shiny fringe flap on the women's shoulders.

The crowd erupts into patriotic cheers as another rider charges into the arena with the American flag. The music brings rodeo fans from all over to their feet for singing of the National Anthem. Announcer Roger Mooney, in his warm southern drawl welcomes the crowd and asks the question that gets them fired up – ARE YOU READY TO RODEO???

Behind the chutes, cowboys loosening up for the first event of the evening—bareback riding—kick into the air in a jerky dance and windmill their arms. One rider crouches against the panels, straining his leather chaps, and rocks back and forth to the pulse of tinny country rock.

This is Charlotte Frontier Days Pro Rodeo!

What's entertainment to the fans is rough-and-tumble competition for the 100 plus contestants who have come to Charlotte looking for a share of $12,000 in prize money.

Rodeo brings to some the dream of open prairies and simpler times, but is perhaps the last of cowboy culture. Charmingly antiquated to some, lowbrow to others, it's just plain uncomplicated fun. Along with three hours of steer wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing is the comfortable, unspoken bond linking fans in a love for rodeo and the frontier culture. Certain moments distinguish rodeo from other sports. Competitors appear supportive rather than cutthroat. The fans don't play favorites: each participant receives the same amount of hollering for their efforts. Those who fall, receiving no score, get an especially encouraging cheer. After all, this isn't a battle of man vs. man. It's man vs. animal, and it's clear who the fans are rootin' for.

The rodeo clowns are greeted with similar enthusiasm. Their brand of comedy is geared to children in the crowd, though you will hear adults roaring with laughter also. Barrel clown Tim Pope will giggle, tell jokes, and pull an endless array of props from the recesses of his baggy jean shorts.

IT BEGINS ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, when, Crandell Bros. Trucking will haul yards and yards of dirt into the fair grounds. The livestock will arrive Wednesday and settle into temporary pens.

The first rodeo performance is Friday September 10th at 8pm

Saturday September 11th at 8pm

Sunday September 12th at 2pm Matinee Family Pack Special 2adults & 2Children Only $35

Senior 55+ & Military Discounts Given only when tickets purchased at the gate with military I.D. for each performance.

Roger Mooney to announce 2010 Charlotte Frontier Days Rodeo

During his 19-year career, Roger Mooney (Ellijay, Ga) has accomplished many feats. He is a three time NFR Rodeo Announcer; selected as the Wrangler NFR alternate announcer twice (2000 and '04); announced the Summer Tour Finale in 2000 in Mesquite, Texas; in 1999 he called the action at the National Finals Steer Roping; he announced Pace Chute-Out in 2003 and again in 2004 and the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho. Recently the 2005 Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo added to his credentials along with multiple prestigious rodeos throughout the countryside.

In 2002, the Women's Professional Rodeo Association named him their Announcer of the Year.

Roger received a bachelor's degree in animal science and agri-business from the University of Georgia (Tifton).