It’s a Western Lifestyle Experience as the Ozark Spring Roundup returns to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri March 22-24.
Following a one-year hiatus for the construction of the new 161,000 square foot Wilson Logistics Arena, the show comes back stronger than ever with the signing of Mexican Cowboy Performer, Charro Jerry Diaz and Family for crowd pleasing performances in the E-Plex East Hall Round Pen and the rodeo arena. A true charro, Diaz follows the grand tradition of his Mexican heritage. Since beginning his career in the early 1980’s, Diaz has performed his horsemanship skills and rope artistry around the country. Showmanship runs in the Diaz family. After taking up residency in the United States, his father Jose “Pepe” Diaz was featured in the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Jerry’s wife Stacy is an accomplished horsewoman, known for her Roman riding skills. Their son Nicolas, a superb horseman, performs alongside both his parents in many of the productions they do as a family.
Excitement abounds at 12:30 pm on Saturday as “THE MATCH” comes alive in the Wilson Arena. Two WPRA breakaway roping superstars have committed to compete in a $2,500 winner take all breakaway roping matchup. Roping six head each will be four-time NFR qualifier and 2023 world champion breakaway roper Shelby (Boisjoli) Meged and three-time NFR qualifier and 2023 NFR breakaway average champion Cheyanne (Guillory) McCartney. “This is your opportunity to see the “Best of the Best” said Lance Markley, special agricultural events manager at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. “Breakaway roping is red hot across the country right now. We’ve had a lot of exciting performances at past Spring Roundups, but this should become one of the favorites.”
On Saturday morning, WPRA barrel racing and breakaway roping contestants will compete in the Wilson Arena. A crowd favorite makes its return as the fast and furious Cowboy Mounted Shooting competition is held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Junior livestock showmen will have triple the exhibition options with the Ozark Spring Roundup Preview Show on Saturday and both the MSU Bear Roundup Cattle Show and Springtown Showdown being held on Sunday. All three shows are sanctioned by both the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Club Calf Association. A youth horse judging contest takes place on Friday morning with registration at 8:30 and contest at 9:00. Divisions include a 13 and under junior and 14 and over senior.
Additional fun and entertaining options will include PRCA Rodeo ticket drawings and a Kids Dummy Roping Competition.
Nearly 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled trade show space will be available for visitors to shop for western wear, tack, livestock and farm equipment, trailers, vehicles, farm supplies, RVs, animal nutrition, home furnishings and remodeling, clothing and jewelry.
Show visitors can register for exciting prizes including a round pen donated by MFA Incorporated and a $500 gift card courtesy of Cavender’s PFI Western Store. Registration is available in the Cavender’s PFI booth or at the Farm Talk Newspaper booth in the E-Plex lobby.
The Ozark Spring Roundup is followed by the Ozark Empire PRCA Rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights in the Wilson Arena. Doors for those holding VIP tickets open at 6:30 pm with general admission at 6:45. Tickets are available online at OzarkEmpireFair.com.
Show hours are from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday. Parking on the grounds and admission are free courtesy of sponsors MFA Incorporated, Cavender’s PFI, Race Brothers, Priefert Ranch and Rodeo Equipment and Hawk Fertilizer and Feed.
A limited number of remaining trade show booths are available by calling Lance Markley at 620-423-2355 or Libby Nelson at 417-849-8278. More information is available at ozarkempirefair.com.