Tops in Texas Rodeo slated July 8-11

Pat Green Cowboys and cowgirls across Cherokee County are getting geared up for the next edition of a rodeo that promises entertainment that is "tops."

The 47th annual PRCA Tops in Texas Rodeo is set for Wednesday through Saturday, July 8-11, in Jacksonville at the Jacksonville Rodeo Grounds, located at Bridge and Mulberry St.

This year's performers will include country acts Pat Green on July 11, Zona Jones on July 10, Branded Duo July 9 and Moe Bandy on July 8.

"The entertainers that we'll have are singers that a lot of people here in the county usually don't get to see," said Rodeo Committee Chair Roland Adams. "We wanted to bring them here so local people can come out and see some popular entertainers."

Headliner Pat Green, who was born in

Waco, will make the stop in Jacksonville as one of seven remaining Texas stops in his nationwide tour. He released his 11th album, What I'm For, in January.

"Pat Green is a top entertainer," Mr. Adams said. We feel like we'll do real well with him."

Gates will open at 7 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 8 p.m. each night. Concerts will begin following the rodeo.

Attendees on July 9 are asked to wear pink for the second annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink event. A portion of the night's proceeds for every fan dressed in pink and every PRCA rodeo contestant wearing pink will be donated to local breast cancer research.

Tickets are currently being sold online through the rodeo's web site, topsintexasrodeo.com. General admission tickets are available to purchase and print online for a discount. The ticket office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be contacted at (903) 586-3285.

"The rodeo is an opportunity for everyone to see some top-rated rodeo and outstanding entertainment," Mr. Adams said. "It's local and no one has to spend a lot on gasoline in order to see something like this."

The Tops in Texas Rodeo is staged by volunteers from the Jacksonville Riders Club and the Jacksonville Lions Club.

The rodeo is sponsored by Bill McRae Ford of Jacksonville.

TICKETS: Call ticket office in Jacksonville (903) 586- 3285