'Saddle Up, KC' Day to Kick off Largest American Royal Rodeo Ever

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the countdown to the most prestigious rodeo in Kansas City history, Friday, October 15, will be designated "Saddle Up, KC" Day by the City Council. In honor of the day, cowboys and cowgirls from around the region will be saddling up on street corners near the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Power & Light District.

As part of "Saddle Up, KC" activities, the American Royal is asking employers in the region to encourage their employees to join the official cowboys and cowgirls in wearing boots and jeans on Friday.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Gold Tour Rodeo sponsored by Philips 66 will be held the evenings of October 22, 23, 29, and 30 at Kemper Arena. One of only nine Gold Tour events in the country and the first of the new competitive season, this year's rodeo already has attracted registrations from all the top cowboys and cowgirls in the country, plus the best animals, announcers and rodeo entertainers. Each competition will be followed by a free concert by Little Texas, Craig Morgan, Dierks Bentley and Heidi Newfield, respectively.

This year's competitors will include world champions Trevor Brazile, Fred Whitfiled, Sheri Cervi, Will Lowe, Brittany Pozzi, JW Harris, Heath DeMoss, Cody Ohl, Luke Branquinho, and Stran Smith.

"Saddle Up, KC" Day also will honor the American Royal, which contributes nearly $70 million annually to the local economy and nearly $2 million in scholarships and educational programs for youth interested in agriculture.

Rodeo tickets are available at the Kemper box office or www.ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ROYAL

Founded in 1899, The American Royal Association is dedicated to promoting the region's agricultural heritage and values by serving as a national stage for a series of competitive events, including one of the country's largest barbecue contests and one of the country's largest combined livestock, horse show, and rodeo. Each year, the American Royal generates $70 million in economic activity for Kansas City and $1.7 million in scholarship monies to support careers in agriculture. In addition, the American Royal reaches more than 55,000 children through educational programs.

SOURCE The American Royal Association