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Volunteers Help Wrap Up Final Night At Rodeo Of The Ozarks

The Rodeo of the Ozarks completed its final night in Springdale. The 70th annual event is mostly operated by volunteers. “It’s huge. R...

 

 

The Rodeo of the Ozarks completed its final night in Springdale.

The 70th annual event is mostly operated by volunteers.

"It's huge. Rodeo of the Ozarks is a nonprofit. So, volunteers are everything out here," said Jozi Parsons, a volunteer and family member of the original Parsons Stadium donors.

Nearly every position at the rodeo of the Ozarks is filled with a volunteer.

"We usher. We catch everybody with tickets and show them where they need to sit," said Joy Drummonds, a volunteer.

From food vendors, to parking directors, even to those managing animals behind the scenes, nearly everyone working the event was a volunteer.

"Most everybody that works here is a volunteer, it just wouldn't be successful without that," said Jim Ulmer, a volunteer team leader.

The Rotary Club is one of the larger volunteer groups at the rodeo. They’ve been involved at the Rodeo of the Ozarks for 65 of the 70 year existence.

"I've been doing this since 1978,” Ulmer said.

"I’ve been in Rotary for 27 years, and I’ve ushered [at the Rodeo of the Ozarks] every year,” Drummonds said.

"Most big rodeos like this are put on by volunteers,” Ulmer said.

Many of these volunteers come straight from local towns like Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville to name a few.

"I love Springdale. I love everything about it," Drummonds said.

Volunteers say that they get more out of volunteering than they give.

"It’s so rewarding,” Parsons said. “You see little kids all the time that are so excited to see the horses and the cows.”

Volunteers at the rodeo say they are always looking for more help.

Next year’s Rodeo of the Ozarks will kick off on July 1.

The rodeo wrapped up Saturday with the crowning of a new Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks, as well as plenty of action on the show ground.

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