Community traditions, youth performances, and western sports took center stage as the Atoka Trail Riders hosted their annual United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) rodeo on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12.
The weekend featured a full slate of events, beginning with Friday night's opening performances and leading into Saturday’s traditional rodeo parade, which featured Grand Marshal Alice McEntire Foran leading the procession through town. Royalty crowning ceremonies were held Saturday evening to honor the organization's new court. Local students Braxton Gage and Layla Henderson of Heartsill Arts & Entertainment opened both nightly performances with the singing of the National Anthem. Carrying the American flag during the anthem each night was Miss CRRA 2026 Anna Drinkard of Hugo.
Entertainer Brandon Dunn served as the barrelman for the weekend, performing his signature 'target practice' routine and keeping the crowd engaged throughout the evening events.
