Angola Prison Rodeo
The longest running prison rodeo in America is back every Sunday this October.
Every Sunday in October, the traffic backs up for miles through West Feliciana as thousands line up for "The Wildest Show in the South." The Angola Rodeo offers a slate of events that includes bull riding, bareback riding, a wild horse race, barrel racing, bull-dogging, wild cow milking (really), convict poker, rodeo clowns; and the final event of the day: the Guts and Glory Challenge, in which a poker chip is affixed to the forehead of the meanest, toughest Brahma bull available. The object for contestants is to get close enough to the bull to snatch the chip (and escape in one piece). The arts and crafts show, which features hundreds of items handmade by Louisiana State Penitentiary inmates, is almost as popular. Gates open at 8 am for the arts and crafts show. Rodeo starts at 2 pm. Lines are long; arrive early. At the Louisiana State Penitentiary, at the end of Hwy 66, deep in West Feliciana Parish. Proceeds promote faith-based initiatives at the prison. $20. angolarodeo.com. bontempstix.com.
