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The UPRA Finals will feature the top 15 contestants from the UPRA region across multiple events. This was taken at the UPRA rodeo in April.
Top contestants look for big payout
The top 15 contestants across multiple states and events will compete for reputation and money in the United Professional Rodeo Associations 2019 Finals Nov. 21-24 at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
“I hope everyone comes out,” Hopkins County Rodeo Committee President Oscar Aguilar said. “It’s a good rodeo with good competition, and there’s a lot of good food at the concession stands.”
There are two competitors in the top 15 from Hopkins County: Chani Graves and Wacey Hathcock. Graves will be competing in barrel racing, and Hathcock will be competing in saddle bronc riding.
This is the 40th anniversary of the Civic Center hosting the UPRA Finals, and according to Aguilar, this year has a high total payout compared to last year. The UPRA site reads the total payout amounts to $260,004, an association record.
“The payout is going to be really good for each round winner,” Aguilar said. “It just depends on the event. It’s averaging anywhere in between $1,300 to $2,200 per round.”
At 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, the rodeo will also host a contract act showcase in which announcers, rodeo clowns and specialty acts will perform in front of a crowd. Admission is free.
“We’ve got different bullfighters, clowns and announcers that come in, and they participate in five-minute skits,” Aguilar said. “The announcers do a three-minute video where an announcer will commentate on what they’re seeing.”
The 2019 UPRA queen will also be crowned 1 p.m. Saturday before the final performance. The following 2019 UPRA Hall of Fame members will also be recognized: Sandra Runyan, Dr. Tong Gene Smith, David Nabors, Sandy Lumley, Bruce Emery, Doug Williams, Kent Hall, Maurice Curfman, H. L. Kent and Richard King.
The contestants compete at 7 p.m. each night, and tickets are $8.
Military service personnel can attend free Thursday night in uniform or by showing their military ID, and first responders can attend free Friday night.