Miss Rodeo USA Stacy Johnson

DATE: 11/13/06

CONTACT: Susan Quinn, (864) 859-4364

Charles Williams, (864) 646-2718; cwllms@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

IPRA World Championship Rodeo coming to Garrison Arena Nov. 17-18

CLEMSON – Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena will again be the host for the Fall IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) World Championship Rodeo on Nov. 17-18. The program will begin at 8 p.m. each evening.

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.

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.

“Mighty” Mike Wentworth will be the featured clown for both performances. Janelle Thornton will show off her skills as she stands on horseback while steering her team of six trained palomino horses.

Stacy Johnson, Miss Rodeo USA , will arrive at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport on Nov. 15, and will be available for interviews. She was crowned Miss Rodeo USA at the 36 th Annual IPRA Finals Rodeo held in Oklahoma City, OK on Jan. 14 of this year. She is 21 years old and is currently a junior at the University of Wyoming in Laramie .

Johnson will help educate the Upstate area on the sport of rodeo. In addition, she will be visiting elementary schools where she will encourage school children to “whip into shape” and demonstrate her skills with cracking a bull whip. She emphasizes the importance of exercise and nutrition.

The Garrison Arena offers the comfort of reserved seats, general seating, public restrooms, concessions and lots of vendors for those shopping for that perfect rodeo souvenir.

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 are producers of the rodeo.

Beginning the show will be a patriotic grand entry. The EZ Bend Riders present a new grand entry for every rodeo and will be led by Heather Quinn-Phillips and her 9-year old daughter, Hope.

Tickets are available at the following outlets until Thursday, Nov. 16 at noon: Pistol Creek West (I-85, Exit 39 and new location on Woodruff Road in Wal Mart Shopping Center), Rogers Stereo ( Greenville and Anderson), Flat Rock Farm and Garden ( Liberty) and the Rabbit Box Feed Store (Central). Tickets may also be purchased at the T. Ed Garrison Arena Box Office.

Ticket prices are: Reserved seats are $17 for all ages; general admission is $15 for adults; $6 for ages 3-12; and under age 2 are admitted free.

To learn more about Miss Rodeo USA, visit www.missrodeousa.com. For more information about the rodeo, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, contact Allan or Susan Quinn at 864-859-4364.

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