That’s right. The 47th Annual IPRA & IFR is here, and the festivities don’t stop until Sunday. Starting on the 11th with the Miss Rodeo USA 2009 Pageant and ending with the final rodeo performances and the IPRA World Championship Awards Banquet at the Biltmore Hotel on the 18th. As always, the IFR Western Trade Show will get going on Friday at 6:00p and runs through Sunday, so get out there and see all the great merchandise. I have a feeling you might find something great.

Anyway, round up the family and hit the fairgrounds this week. We’ve linked to the official schedule on the IFR home page, and believe me, there’s plenty to do. So go catch your favorite rodeo starsand see them prove that they’re some of the toughest athletes on the planet, yet again.

Check their website for all the dates and times. Starting at 11:00a on Saturday the 17th, OG&E’s Kid Day will offer lots of great activities including contests, autograph sessions, roping instruction, or you can even see how to make a genuine cowboy hat. All activities at Kids’ Day are free, and most of them are even educational. So come down to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds this week and get in on the excitement.

When it comes to professional rodeo and its gritty athletes who compete year-round, it isn’t about the fame or the money. You see, in rodeo it’s about great fans and great big belt buckles. This year’s upcoming International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City has come up with a very fitting theme for the festivities. Dubbed “It’s About the Buckle” in reference to their Championship belt buckles, which are awarded in lieu of standard trophies, competitions will take place from January 14-19 at the Oklahoma State Fair Arena. IFR 38 will feature four nights of championship rodeo performances, starting Thursday, January 17, and wrapping up with afternoon and evening performances on Saturday, January 19.

With events starting the afternoon of Monday the 14^th, all the way through the championship awards the following Sunday night, there’s a little something for everyone, including plenty of chances to win cash, prizes, and to even help make a difference. The IFR’s “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” event to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer kicks off Thursday night, with doors opening at 6:00p.m. Be one of the first 500 people through the door, and you will receive a pink foam cowboy hat from the Oklahoman and IFR 38, which sounds like reason enough to attend, if you ask me. Other prizes will be given away as well, including two $100 gas cards from Love’s Country Store.

With constant events, shopping, great prizes, and the opportunity to support a terrific cause, IFR 38 will surely be one to remember. Single session tickets are on sale now by calling 1-800-511-1552 or online at www.tickets.com. For All Session tickets, call (918) 825-1783, or call the IPRA Office at (405) 235-6540. Event times and participants are available on the websites of the IFR and the IPRA, respectively.

Be sure to visit us at our flagship store in Oklahoma City’s historic Stockyards City. See below for directions from the State Fair Arena.

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