Features Editor

There’s no better way to kick off Pike County’s rodeo season than by kicking up one’s heels.

That’s just what wranglers, cowgirls and city dudes, too, will have an opportunity to do Saturday night when the Pike County Cattlemen sponsor the annual Cattlemen’s Street Dance on the square in downtown Troy.

However, there’s nothing "square" about the dance. It’s as "hip" as can be with music from the top 25 country tunes and the favorite juke box songs of the ’50s and ’60s.

Doran Burton and the Just in Time Band will take the stage at 7 p.m. and it’s

everybody’s choice as to whether they want to dance or just sit back, relax and enjoy the music.

B.B. Palmer, publicity chairman for the Cattlemen, said a night of fellowship and fun has been planned. Everyone is invited to come out and be a part of the kickoff event for the Pike County Cattlemen’s Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo 2001 Memorial Day weekend at Cattleman Park.

"We are still taking reservations for tables with eight chairs and, if a business or large group of people, wants to be all together, a table is the best way to go," Palmer said. "It gets you up close to the stage and you can also participate in the contest for the best table decoration. Everybody who decorates a table has a lot of fun doing it and everyone enjoys seeing what ideas others have come up with.

The street dance is mainly a way to promote the rodeo, but there is a fee of

$100 for each table. The money raised benefits the Cattleman Park.

Those not wishing to reserve a table are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and get comfortable because the entertainment and fun will not end until 11 p.m.

There is a possibility that soft drinks and popcorn will be available, but Palmer said he would suggest bringing a picnic supper or getting take-out from your favorite restaurant.

"We will have door prizes which will be given away during breaks in the entertainment, in addition to awarding first and second prizes in the table decorating contest," Palmer said. "The winners in the 2001 Rodeo pageant will be presented, as will the winners of the poster contest."

Students in grades four through seven were invited to participate in the Cattlemen’s poster contest. The winner will receive a $100 savings bond and second place will receive a $50 savings bond. The winning posters will be on display during the street dance.

"The students did a very good job and we want everyone to see and enjoy their work," Palmer said. "We want to congratulate them and thank the teachers for being so supportive."

Palmer said the teacher with the best participation in the poster contest will receive $100 to buy supplies for her classroom.

To make table reservations, call Palmer at 566-4265.