Angola Prison Rodeo

We recently went to the Angola Prison Rodeo in April. I didn%26#39;t see alot of info posted on the rodeo so here%26#39;s some info in case anyone is planning to go in October 2009 or April on next year.

First suggestion: WEAR BOOTS! We were there after about 3 days of rain and the place was a soggy mess. We were ankle deep in mud since they park everyone on the grass outside the rodeo arena. A total mess. We couldn%26#39;t figure out what all the guards were doing on ATV%26#39;s with big tires strapped to the front of them until we tried to leave and realized we were stuck in Mississippi mud! The car didn%26#39;t move. The guards had to get behind us with the ATV and push us until we were unstuck.

The rodeo is well worth seeing. The inmates are nuts to get into the arena with the bulls and the horses, but they do it. And bring money. The hobby craft section, where the inmates can sell their craft work is incredible. Some of them are very talented. If you live locally and can carry large items home, they make beautiful rocking chairs and porch swings. We had to stick to smaller items but in general, much of what was offered was well done.

You get past the fact that the inmates are among you very quickly. Many are just eager to talk and you can tell that they look forward to this every year. If anyone is going and would like more info, I%26#39;ll be happy to share more info.