DATE: 2/9/05

CONTACT: Charles Williams, (864) 646-2717

EDITOR: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

‘One Arm Bandit’ to be featured entertainer at IPRA Rodeo

CLEMSON – John S. Payne, "The One Arm Bandit," will be the featured entertainer at the Fifth Annual Spring IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) World Championship Rodeo at Clemson University ’s T. Ed Garrison Arena. He will perform on Feb. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m.

A popular rodeo act throughout the United States , Canada and Europe , Payne performs outstanding riding exhibitions on horseback and while riding longhorn steers.

He lost an arm following an accident when 7,200 volts passed through his body for 10 seconds while he was working as an electrician. Through CPR, he lived to spread havoc across the United States , Canada and eventually the world. He had been a rodeo entertainer before the accident and quickly recovered to return to the rodeo arena. Born in Oklahoma, Payne has ranched there with his father and four older brothers while not on the rodeo circuit. Ranch life taught John to get out of the way or get run over.

"We are looking forward to having "The One Arm Bandit" perform at our spring rodeo," said Allan Quinn of Easy Bend Rodeo Co. "We usually have an outstanding turnout for this rodeo and thanks to our sponsor, W & W Housing Center, our fans are in for a rare treat with this entertainment act. John is one of rodeo's favorite entertainers. By the time he is done with his act, he will have his horse and a small herd of paint horses on top of his trailer. "

One of the changes in rodeo is the circuit used to run from spring until fall, but indoor rodeos in coliseums and arenas have made year-round rodeo competition possible.

“T. Ed Garrison Arena has been the perfect indoor facility for the past 10 rodeos produced by Easy Bend Rodeo,” said Quinn.

The venue offers the comfort of reserved seats, general seating, public restrooms, concessions and lots of vendors for those shopping for that perfect rodeo souvenir. Rain or shine, there’s a seat for everyone.

For competitors, the arena offers two practice arenas, wash racks, trailer hook-ups, stalls with shavings available and plenty of local restaurants within minutes of the arena.

Allan and Susan Quinn, of Easy Bend Farms, include the entire family in producing the rodeo.

The show begins with a patriotic grand entrance. The EZ Bend Riders present a new grand entry for every rodeo and are led by Heather Quinn and her 8-year old daughter, Hope.

The ultimate goal for IPRA participants is to win a world championship in January of each year in Oklahoma City , OK . The IPRA names world champions at the conclusion of the International Finals Rodeo in seven events: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, cowgirls barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping.

These world titles are sought-after and hard-earned, but the title of World Champion All-Around Cowboy is rodeo's most prestigious. To win this coveted award, the cowboy must excel in more than one event. Top cowboys and cowgirls will compete in all seven events for approximately $10,000 and world championship points.

Tickets will be available Feb. 14-24 at the following outlets: Pistol Creek West, Rogers Stereo in Greenville and Anderson , Flat Rock Farm and Garden in Liberty and the Rabbit Box Feed Store in Central. Tickets may also be purchased at the T. Ed Garrison Box Office beginning at noon on Feb. 25 and 26.

Parking is $1 and ticket prices are: reserved seats $15 for all ages; general admission is $13 for adults; $6 for children ages 3 to 12; and children under 2 are admitted free.

For more information about the rodeo, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, contact Allan or Susan Quinn at (864) 859-4364. For information about the Garrison Arena or to book an event, contact Charles Williams, arena director, at (864) 646-2717.

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