J Bar J Rodeo

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
September 7, 8 & 9, 2007
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 $18,000 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 Rock’n Robbie Hodges will giggle, tell jokes, and pull an endless array of props from the recesses of his baggy jean shorts.

IT BEGINS ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 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. On Thursday, disabled children will participate in a ‘special rodeo’. The first rodeo performance is Friday – “Kids Night” sponsored by Meijer.

There will be special games and prizes for kids 12 and under. Saturday will show us just how many people are “Tough Enough To Wear Pink”.

Bullfighting clowns aren't there to make fans laugh. They help separate riders from animals which might want to do them harm.

THE CROWD FAVORITE—the last event of the evening, the bull-riding competition, gets underway. The event commences with a blaring Queen song:

"We will . . . we will . . . rock you!"

The fans scream along, stomping the beat into a body-vibrating rhythm.

"GET ROWDY!" proclaims the US Smokeless Tobacco scoreboard.

In the chute, a bull is mounted by a rider. Out in the arena, a bullfighting clown crouches, ready to leap into battle. The buzzer sounds, and the bull tears across the arena, ripping chunks of dirt into the air in a massive, bucking frenzy of muscle and limbs.

Makeup may identify them as clowns, but bullfighters aren't there to make fans laugh. They help separate riders from animals which might want to do them harm.

They can see guys getting into a situation before some other people can. If there's about to be a wreck, they might be able to stop it before it happens. It's their job to get in there, take the heat, and get everybody out clean: the bullfighter, the bull, and the cowboy.

As a rodeo bullfighter, they dance with 1,800-pound bulls, as they separate man from beast. They may not look rugged in those red suspenders and baggy jeans, but they are immediate salvation for any cowboy about to be stomped.

This is what the fans come for: a fleeting escape to a world where things are as simple as the battle of man vs. animal.

Is your child interested in Mutton Bustin'?

Mutton Bustin' has grown to be one of the most popular and entertaining extra attractions at the Charlotte Frontier Days Rodeo. The event is sponsored by Duane DeClair of Bellevue, Michigan. The contest, for 5- to 7-year-olds under 65 pounds, consists of the youngster riding a sheep out of a bucking chute and into the rodeo arena.

Entry forms for this event can be picked up at the ticket booth at the beginning of each rodeo performance. Parents must sign the entry/waiver form. Each night 10 contestants are randomly drawn from the entries. All riders are required to wear a helmet, which is provided.

Like the cowboy bucking events, time and score count, while prizes are given for 1, 2 and 3 places each of the 10 riders will receive a Mutton Bustin’ patch from Montana Silversmith. Anything goes, and usually does, as these boys and girls cling to the sheep as hard and as long as they can. All the thrills and spills of Mutton Bustin' can be enjoyed during each rodeo performances.

Roger Mooney to announce 2006 Charlotte Frontier Days Rodeo

During his 18-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).

Rockin' Robbie Hodges Signs On as Rodeo Clown for 2006 Rodeo

Rockin' Robbie Hodges has established himself as one of the professional rodeo world's hottest new barrel man and funny guy personalities. His quick wit and off the cuff banter, as well as carefully thought-out acts, keep the crowd entertained and looking at him for the entire rodeo performance.

Rockin' Robbie always promotes positive, non-violent, clean family humor and has an uncanny knack for instantly bonding with children of all ages. He genuinely enjoys being a rodeo clown because he likes to talk to and entertain people, especially children.

He eagerly takes on the rodeo performance, attempting to peronalize each show by taking the time to talk to and get to know as many families as possible. He has been acclaimed by announcers, stock contractors, and cowboys alike as being the most exciting new clown in rodeo today.