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The Pike County Cattlemen are kids at heart. Each of them remembers how, as a youngster, he dreamed of riding that bucking bronco or that high-kicking bull. So, on Saturday night, kids who have the same dreams will get an opportunity to come out of the chute ridin’ high.

The Pike County Cattlemen’s NCPRA Rodeo gets underway tonight at Cattleman Park and will continue on Saturday night.

Cattleman Johnny Garrett said a big crowd is expected both nights but especially on Saturday night which features the Kids Western Festival.

“The kids, ages 4 -11, get the opportunity to get out in the arena and participate in rodeo- related events,” Garrett said. “There will be a lot of fun things for kids to do but they specially like the stick horse races and the mutton-bustin’.

Mutton bustin’s the kids’ version of bronc and bull riding. For most it’s a short ride but one they will long remember.

“The gates will open on Saturday at 4 p.m. and the Kids Western Festival will get underway at 5 p.m.,” Garrett said. “There’s nothing more fun for young cowboys and cowgirls than being at the rodeo except being in the rodeo.”

The Pike County Cattlemen’s NCPRA Rodeo will feature some of the best cowboys and cowgirls around, a horseback-riding announcer and one of the funniest and most active rodeo clowns in the business.

The Pike County Cattlemen will pay memorial tribute to four members of the Pike County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen associations during intermission. Those members are Jack Davis, Mike Griffin, Bill Hixon and Tammy Powell.

The gates will open at 5 p.m. tonight and the rodeo will begin at 7:30.

Advance tickets are $10 and will be available until 7 p.m. tonight at the Brundidge Piggly Wiggly, the Banks Buy Rite, Troy Bank & Trust main branch and Dr. Walker’s Western Ware. Kids 12 and under are admitted free when with an adult.

Tickets at the gate are $12.