It is rodeo time again in Athens, Texas, and Smith Pro Rodeos is producing the biggest concert and rodeo production of the year for East Texas. The event will be held at the Henderson County Coliseum in Athens on August 16, 17, and 18. The event will feature two of the top country and western entertainers along with top PRCA cowboys from throughout the United States.

Thursday night, August 16 will be The Kid's Rodeo. We will have special events for kids beginning at 6:30 p.m. Books will open at 5:30 and entries are limited. On Friday night, August 17, after the rodeo. Gary Allan takes the stage with his songs like "A Feelin' Like That," "Life Ain't Always Beautiful," and "Smoke Rings in the Dark." Then on Saturday night, August 18, Cross Canadian Ragweed, whose hits include "Fightin' For," "17," and "Sick and Tired," will be performing after the rodeo. The show will also feature specialty acts, rodeo clowns, bullfighters, NFR qualified stock, and some of the fastest and most exciting rodeo action you will ever see. This show will be an event for the whole family to attend, with events for the kids each night.

Some form of muscular dystrophy affects over 400 families in the East Texas area. A portion of the proceeds from this rodeo will directly benefit those families. There is no single disease called muscular dystrophy, the term designates a group of hereditary muscle-destroying disorders, which vary in inheritance pattern, age onset, and initial muscles attacked and the rate of progression.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) works in your community to combat neuromuscular disease through (1) basic applied scientific investigation; (2) local comprehensive programs of medical services and clinical care; and (3) widespread professional and public health education.

Come on out and enjoy quality entertainment while contributing to a good cause. This year's major rodeo spon- sors are Elder Dodge, Kelly Harris Tire & Wrecker Service, Franklin Bank, Cedar Valley Communications, KLTV and KNUE.

Thursday night tickets are $5.00 for adults and children and students get in free. There are no advance ticket sales or advance entries for the kid's rodeo. Friday night tickets are $22.00 in advance and $24.50 at the gate. Saturday night tickets are $22.00 in advance and $24.50 at the gate. Kids 12 and under get $5.00 off the adult ticket price in advance and at the gate for Friday and Saturday night. Come on out and enjoy quality entertainment while contributing to a good cause. The rodeo starts at 7:30 each night.

Tickets can be purchased at Lone Star Western Wear in Athens and Corsicana, and Cavender's Boot City in Tyler and Palestine. Tickets may also be purchased online or by phone. For additional information you may visit the website at www.ssrodeo.com or call Smith Pro Rodeos at 903-489-2652, or 1-888-822- 5919.