Sports and Outdoors

 Lake Info

Normal Lake Level is 322.00 feet above Mean Sea Level.
Current level for Cedar Creek Lake is: 322.00
Water Temperature:
62 degrees - top
62 degrees - bottom

Green, Cagle headline MDA rodeo
Monitor Staff Reports
ATHENS–It’s rodeo time again in Athens, and Smith Pro Rodeos is producing the biggest East Texas concert and rodeo event of the year, the 12th annual MDA Benefit Rodeo, starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 21-23.
This year’s event will feature two of the top country and western entertainers, along with top PRCA cowboys from throughout the United States.
Prize money for PRCA rodeo contestants has been increased, making the MDA Benefit Rodeo one of the largest events available to cowboys.
Thursday night, Aug. 21, will be The Kid’s Rodeo, with special events for kids beginning at 6:30 p.m. Books will open at 5:30 and entries are limited.
After Friday night’s rodeo performance, Pat Green returns to the stage with his songs like “Let Me,” “Dixie Lullaby” and “Feels Just Like it Should.”
Saturday night, Chris Cagle, whose hits include “What Kinda Gone,” “No Love Songs,” and other hits from his most recent album will be performing after the rodeo.
The traditional PRCA rodeo will 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 more than 400 families in the East Texas area. A portion of the proceeds from this rodeo will directly benefit those families and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
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, initial muscles attacked and the rate of progression.
The MDA works in each 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 sponsors are Elder Dodge, Kelly Harris Tire & Wrecker Service, Franklin Bank, Cavender’s Boot City, KLTV and KNUE.
Thursday night tickets are $5 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 and Saturday night tickets are $22 in advance and $24.50 at the gate. Kids 12 and under get $5 off the adult ticket price in advance and at the gate. Come on out and enjoy quality entertainment while contributing to a good cause.
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 on-line or by phone. For additional information, visit the website www.ssrodeo.com, or call Smith Pro Rodeos at (903) 489-2652, or toll-free at (888) 822-5919.

Many happy returns


Monitor Photo/Kerry Yancey
Mabank High School junior Taylor Chapa bumps
the ball during a drill Monday as volleyball practices opened.