19th Annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo Press Conference & Event Schedule
Press Conference & Event Schedule
Mayor Jamie Mayo and the Monroe City Council are pleased to join the Department of Community Affairs, the Real Cowboy Association, title sponsor Entergy and other event sponsors to invite the media and public to the Monroe Civic Center Arena, located at 401 Lea Joyner Expressway for a PRESS CONFERENCE, 12 noon Friday, August 23, to officially kickoff the 19th Annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo weekend. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the O.K. Program of Monroe – a male youth mentorship program coordinated by the Monroe Police Department. Our 2019 rodeo is dedicated to the memory of Real Cowboy Association founder Frank “Penny” Edwards, who passed away earlier this year.
Mayor Jamie Mayo, founder of the Bayou Black Open Rodeo, comments, "Almost 20 years ago, I visited a black rodeo in Longview, Texas. It was phenomenal. The cowboys, crowd and music created some incredible energy for an action-packed and fun-filled family event. The outstanding show promoter, Frank “Penny” Edwards, convinced me to come see the show. However, he didn’t have to convince me that a rodeo like this could be successful in Monroe. We needed a creative name for our event. Black Bayou is one of Monroe’s iconic landmarks. I simply flipped the name to Bayou Black, added Open Rodeo, and here we are 19-years later.”
Over the years, a total of nearly 60,000 fans have seen a diverse group of 300 cowboys and cowgirls compete, each year, in traditional rodeo events. We encourage rodeo fans and newcomers, of all ages and races, throughout northeast Louisiana, and the Ark-La- Miss region to mark your calendar for August 24th. Bring out the entire family for what will quickly become one of your favorite sources of entertainment. We’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!
Mark your calendars for the following 2019 Rodeo events
RODEO PRESS CONFERENCE
12 noon Friday, August 23 in the Monroe Civic Center Arena.
MAYOR PROCLAIMS RODEO WEEKEND
Mayor Jamie Mayo has proclaimed Friday, August 23 through Saturday, August 24, as Bayou Black Open Rodeo Weekend. We encourage city workers and rodeo fans to wear their best western wear to work, around town, and to the main event on those days.
PARADE
9 am Saturday, August 24. The parade will travel a roughly 2+ mile course from the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo to the Monroe Civic Center Parking Lot. Lineup will begin at 8 am. Bring out the kids and pick out your favorite spot along the parade route to catch candy and other items. Contact Melissa Thaxton at 318-329-4940 or Melissa.thaxton@ci.monroe.la.us if you are interested in being in the parade.
The exact PARADE ROUTE will begin at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, travel North up Wilson Street, continue north on South 2nd Street, turn Right on Orange Street, turn Left on South 8th Street, and end at the Monroe Civic Center parking lot.
TAILGATING
10 am – 6 pm Saturday, August 24 in the Civic Center Parking Lot. Rodeo fans, horse clubs, and cowboys and cowgirls participating in the rodeo traditionally set up their RV's, Tents, Grills, and Fish Fryers for some lunchtime pre-rodeo tailgating. The public is encouraged to bring your food & drinks and join in the fun!
RODEO MAIN EVENT
7 pm Saturday, August 24 in the Monroe Civic Center Arena. The doors to the Monroe Civic Center Arena will open at 6 pm; and, the Grand Entry will begin at 7 pm for the "Baddest Show on Dirt!" We will sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, Cavender’s, and J&H Boots & Jeans.