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Record number of events booked at White County rodeo arena in 2003

BY JANET WILSON

Staff Writer

Before the White County rodeo arena was covered, virtually the only event that took place there, besides the White County Fair horse show and rodeo, was the Shriners rodeo held each year in July, according to arena manager Miles Langford.

Approximately two-years-ago, however, when the arena was covered, and new lighting and a new sound system were added, Langford said there has been a dramatic change in the number of events taking place at the arena.

"The number of events has doubled since we got the top on," Langford said. "I think it's even doubled since last year. It's a good problem to have."

But he also added that the increase in the number of events booking the arena, in turn, created another problem which was where to put all of the horses.

When the cover was added to the arena, the fairgrounds had several pony stalls, but very few stalls suitable for adult horses.

"We now have 92 stalls, including the pony stalls," he said. "This year we are adding 50 more 10 x 10 horse stalls and I'm beginning to run out of room to put stalls underneath."

Langford said the arena could possibly book even more events once more stalls are added.

"I've had several calls from people saying they would book with us, but they say we don't have enough stalls," Langford said.

However he said he is enjoying the expansion that has been needed as a result of the improvements to the arena because he said all of the money that it generates is spent on making further upgrades. Currently, Langford said it costs $400 per day to rent the arena, $14 per day for stalls, and concession vendors must pay $100. The facility also has 200 camper hook-ups that cost $10 per night for electricity and water.

The economic impact of putting a cover on the rodeo arena has also extended beyond gates of the White County Fairgrounds. Langford said he has had tremendous feedback from the owners of local restaurants and hotels who also benefit when events are taking place at the arena.

"When the ACA Rodeo comes, all of the hotels in Searcy are full," he said.

The first scheduled event for 2003 is Hoof-Fest hosted by the Arkansas Horse Council, March 14-16, according to Langford. Other events include:

- March 29, bullriding

- April 12, Hillbilly Association horse show

- April 19, barrel racing

- May 24, Little Britches Rodeo

- June 21, Arkansas Arabian Horse Club open show

- July 19, White County Saddle Club show

- July 26, White County Saddle Club show

- August 16, North Central Appaloosa horse show

- September 11-13, White County Fair Rodeo and bullride

- October 3-4, ACA Rodeo Finals

- October 10-11, Arkansas Gaited horse show

Virtually the only months available for booking additional events in the arena are November and December, Langford said.
He also pointed out that the arena is available for persons to practice ride at no cost.
However, he said a $100 returnable deposit is required to ensure that no damage is done to the arena and that riders do not leave trash on the grounds.

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