2020-08-12

2020-2021 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 38 Oak Grove has been famous for its horse shows since the early 1900s. A show held Oct. 6, 1911, had an estimated 10,000 people in attendance, and there were 250 entries in 40 different events. Frick Park Arena, 600 SW 12th Street, was constructed by volunteers and contractors and opened for the first youth rodeo in August 1997. Oak Grove Youth Rodeo Club was formed in 1991 to aid and support the youth and their families in the sport of rodeo. For some, the rodeo is a family adventure, and for others it is a new opportunity to experience the thrill of rodeo and fulfill dreams of experiencing western culture. The club is open to anyone whether he/she has a horse or not, and meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month November- March at the Davis Center to plan the annual events, clinics and pro bull shows. With the coronavirus pandemic,meetings have had to be virtual, and the nature of the events the club sponsors do not fit into the phased reopening of events that fit the Jackson County guidelines for the summer of 2020. In past years, Fun Show and Buckle Series along with monthly meetings were scheduled at 9 a.m. on Saturday or 11 a.m. on Sunday on a monthly basis with meetings one hour before the fun shows. Schedule updates are posted on the club’s website and Facebook page. Past events have also included an Extreme Roughstock School the weekend after Memorial Day as well Rodeo Queen, Princess and LittleMiss competitions. Royalty contestants were required to fill out an application, present a speech, complete an interview and demonstrate horsemanship by performing an age-group pattern. Girls age 5-19may use this experience to continue intoMiss Rodeo Missouri competition. Unfortunately, these competitions could not be planned this year. Those with questions may call Chris Ann McPherson at 816- 726-4374 or mail the club at P. O. Box 244, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or by email at OakGroveYouthRodeoClub@gmail.com.Website is www.oakgroveyouthrodeoclub.com. Glory Riders 4-H is a registered club with the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Council, Lafayette County. The club is 100% focused on horses, designed to help youth learn equine care, safety, horsemanship, showmanship and experience trail riding as well as the sport of rodeo. Members participate in the county fair June 27. It has not been determined if there will be a state fair this year. The club offers a chance to work with horses and be judged on horsemanship, riding and trail classes. There are also timed events such as barrels, pulls and other games. The 4-H program teaches youth to be active in their community and be of service to others. Throughout the year, the club assists and gives back to the community by conducting canned food drives. Horse project leader, Mike Dowell, started in the program as a child and has been in it for over 50 years. Members meet at 6/6:30 p.m. Thursdays, weather permitting, during the riding season at Frick Park Arena and once a month during the off-season September, October, November, January, February and March in the homes of club members. Those at all levels are encouraged to visit and become a member. (The club has not been able to meet during the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent shut down.) For more information, Sheri Dowell may be contacted at 816- 986-8700. The Oak Grove Saddle Club is open to horse enthusiasts ages 5 to 100. The group formed in 1972 and has been together for 44 years with some of the original members still attending. The club is for people who love horses and want to have fun. It is a family-oriented organization and does not emphasize competition. Saddle Club has 75 members, many of whom are long-standing members, who come from all around to participate. For younger children who are hesitant to ride a horse or don’t have one, a stick horse race is offered. The club puts on shows at 5 p.m. the third Saturday of each month April through October at Frick Park Arena. A fun show includes barrels, pulls and flags and obstacle courses. Event information is posted on the club’s Facebook page. Scheduled dates for the remainder of the year are June 18,August 15, September 12 and October 17; however, with COVID-19 restrictions for events, pre-registration is a must. Members meet at 6:30 p.m. in February at Sni Valley Fire Protection District Station #1 to elect officers and discuss upcoming shows, make changes and hear suggestions for new classes. Membership fees are $15 per person or $25 for a family. Current officers are Paula Halifax, president; LoriWofford, vice- president; Jessica Philpot, secretary; Ann Altman, concessions. Anyone interested in running for office for next year, contact the club by October. Halifax can be reached at 816-872-8450 Activities Equine clubs