By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Friday night and Saturday night is the Abbyville Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo and BBQ.
"It really is family," said Tiffany McCaffrey, Miss Rodeo Kansas. "That culture around that just provides such a warm atmosphere. Abbyville is one of the most family friendly rodeos I've ever been to."
For nine-time PRCA Clown of the Year Justin Rumford, it is about coming home.
"Abbyville's my hometown rodeo," Rumford said. "I grew up in Abbyville. I haven't been back to Abbyville since 2012. I was actually here for Pretty Prairie Rodeo two years ago. I don't get to make it back to Reno County very often. I'm pretty excited about it. I've got my triplets here. My sister, who is a stock contractor who raises bucking horses and bulls from California, they are in town. The whole family's here. It's going to be a good weekend."
Bullfighter Jake Welker's father, Jeff, is a long-time member of the rodeo committee in Abbyville. It's his number that is on the event's website for information. Welker has been bullfighting since 2018 in the PRCA, and the Pretty Prairie native's first rodeo with his PRCA card was in 2018 in Abbyville.
"Once the bull riding rolls around, I'll go get ready and put all my protective gear on," Welker said. "My job is just to be the extra safety guy for the bull riders. When they fall off the bull, I'm going to be the first line of defense."
Tickets are good for either night. Twelve and under get in free both nights. You can buy an advance admission ticket for $10 at A5 Western in Hutchinson, Farmers Coop in Abbyville, The Village Place in Arlington, Central Prairie Coop in Sterling and Yoder Auto Center.
Friday night is Back the Blue Night, so wear blue if you're going on Friday. All Law Enforcement get in free with photo ID. Gates open Friday night at 6 p.m., Mutton Bustin is at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance is at 8 p.m.
Saturday at 8:30 a.m. is Goat Roping, the Ranch Rodeo is at noon, the parade is at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street. The BBQ starts Saturday at 5:45 p.m., with Mutton Bustin again at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance at 8 p.m.
CLICK
HERE to
download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK
HERE to
sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.