The Pike County Cattlemen’s PCA Rodeo has become a tradition in Pike County and is looked forward to with great anticipation by area rodeo fans.

And, the stage is set for one of the biggest and best rodeos in the Cattlemen’s 23 years of rodeo this Friday and Saturday nights at the Pike County Cattleman Park Arena.

The gates will open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo will get underway at 7:30 p.m. each night.

“When we think about rodeo, we think about cowboys and cowgirls and bull riding and barrel racing and all the other events that make rodeo so much fun,” said B.B. Palmer, Cattleman Park executive director. “But just as important to a successful rodeo are the announcers and the clowns. And, this year, the Pike County Cattlemen are proud to announce that we have one of the best announcers on the rodeo circuit and one of the best clowns as well.”

Palmer said Clint Allemand is an eight-time Professional Cowboy Finals rodeo announcer and is unique in that he announces on horseback.

“Clint is the Professional Cowboy Association announcer for many of the Southeastern rodeo events,” Palmer said. “He adds so much enthusiasm and humor to the rodeo. Not only does he call the scores and standings, he also provides commentary. His banter with the rodeo clown keeps the audience entertained between events.”

Allemand’s wife, Kristine, joins him to work sound and provide music and audio during each ride.

“These two keep the rodeo action exciting and up beat,” Palmer said.

And, then there’s the clown.

Jake Willcox is a professional rodeo entertainer from Athens, Ga., who is a two-time PCA Rodeo Clown of the Year. He has been clowning rodeos all across the country for more than eight years.

“Jake takes a lot of pride in his innovative animal acts,” Palmer said. “He also entertains the audience with family friendly walk-and-talk comedy. Jake brings entertainment for everyone from six to 96. He is sure to bring laughs from the first bucking horse to the last bull ride.”

The Cattlemen’s concession stand will be open both nights of the rodeo with all-beef hamburgers and hotdogs, French fries, nachos, other snacks and cold soft drinks available for purchase.

Tickets at the gate will be $12 for adults. Children six and under will be admitted free both nights.

Children seven through 12, who are accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free Saturday night with tickets offered by the Cattlemen through the local school systems.

Advanced tickets are $10 and are available at the Troy Bank and Trust main branch located off of US Highway 231 North, Don Walker’s Western Wear, Piggly Wiggly stores in both Troy and Brundidge and the Banks Buy Rite.