John Perry Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo is April 1-2

The 2023 John Perry Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, at the Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds.

Sponsored by the Sallisaw Round-Up Club, All-Around buckles will be presented to the top cowboy and cowgirl in each age group, according to organizer J.P. Wickett. However, contestants must compete both days to be eligible.

“This is our second annual, but we hope to do it every year, at least try to,” Wickett said. “We eventually would like to do it at the same time Diamond Daze is going on, but things didn’t line up this year.”

Wickett said Saturday’s events include flags, barrels, poles, goat undecorating (taking a ribbon off the goat’s tail), goat tying, breakaway, ribbon roping, tie-down roping, heading and heeling.

Goats must be paid up by 9 a.m and ropers paid up by the first pole bender. He said rodeo time will begin at 10 a.m.

There will also be a silent auction on Saturday. OJRA members are asked to please bring items for the auction.

On Sunday, Rodeo Church will start off the day at 9 a.m. followed by the rodeo at 10 a.m.

Sunday’s events include breakaway, ribbon roping, tie-down roping, heading, heeling, goat undecorating, goat tying, exhibition barrels (limit 30), flags, barrels and poles.

Wickett said he especially wants to thank all his sponsors for helping put on this year’s event: Sparks convenience store, Pierce Feeds, Shield of Shelter (Randall Baker), Armstrong Bank, All Pro River Valley Realty, Rangeline Arena in Warner, and Sallisaw Equine Clinic and Dr. Gary White.

“It wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said. To pre-register, text 918-807-1905 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or call 918-931-2651 for additional information.