Stampede brings plenty of action
     This year's Omak Stampede will bring plenty of professional rodeo action, the World-Famous Suicide Race, three parades, an art show and plenty of other Western fun.
     It also marks the last show in the present arena. Demolition of at least part of the arena is scheduled to begin shortly after this y ear's show. Stampede weekend runs from Thursday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 12, and includes rollicking rodeo action, four runnings of the fast-paced Suicide Race, the colorful Indian encampment and powwow, Davis Shows' carnival, Omak Western and Native Art Show, and several other community-sponsored events.
     Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9-11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12. Tickets may be purchased by calling 826-1002 or 1 (800) 933-OMAK (6625), or by visiting the Stampede ticket office next to the arena in East Side Park.
     Ticket prices in areas where seating remains range from $8 to $18, depending on the performance and section. Stampede does not issue refunds for ticket purchases.
     On Sunday, Canadian currency will be accepted at par at the ticket window. Stampede officials will set an exchange rate for other shows' tickets sold at the window.
     Fans can expect a full range of Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association events, plus barrel racing and mutton bustin'.
     Activities begin Wednesday with opening of Davis Shows' carnival at the west end of East Side Park and the Omak Western and Native Art Show at The Courtyard Downtown on Main Street.
     Some pre-encampment activities are planned that night as well.
     The encampment gets under way Thursday evening.
     The Omak Western and Native Art Show begins Wednesday with an artists' reception and auction.
     Preceding the Thursday night rodeo will be the annual Wrangler Kids' Night, starting at 4 p.m. in the Stampede arena. Youngsters can compete in a variety of games; prizes will be given.
     Thursday is family night, with up to four kids admitted free with each paying adult in selected sections (G-K) of the arena. Family night tickets are available only at the ticket office in East Side Park.
     Slack competition in timed events, if needed, is planned at 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10. Admission is free.
     Slack is offered when there are more contestants signed up for a timed event than can be run during the regular rodeo performances. The extra competitive time also allows contestants to make a showing at more than one rodeo per weekend.
     Although slack gives a sampling of rodeo action, the Stampede's performances offer a full range of rodeo competition and related entertainment.
     Each rodeo performance begins with the annual parade of flags, a drill involving horses and riders carrying flags sponsored by area businesses and clubs.
     Arena runs by royalty follow, with Stampede queen Hannah McDaniel, Loomis, reigning over the event.
     Assisting the cowboys will be bullfighters Dwayne Hargo Jr. and T.C. Evans. Specialty act will be John Payne, the One-Armed Bandit.
     Announcer will be Steve Kenyon. Stock contractors are Big Bend and Flying 5.
     Suicide Race fans wearing buttons, available on the grounds and in local businesses for $5 apiece, will be admitted to special Suicide Race viewing areas on the hill and on the dike in the park.
     Viewing also is available from some areas of the grandstands for rodeo ticket holders.
     Concessions will operate all weekend on the grounds. Vendors range from local service organizations to visiting souvenir shops, and products range from steak sandwiches to ice cream.
     Omak also offers plenty of diversions when the rodeo isn't going on. Other events planned during the weekend include:
     - Ride-in, 8 a.m. Thursday, Okanogan to Omak.
     - Youth parade, 10 a.m. Saturday, downtown.
     - Grand parade, 10 a.m. Sunday, downtown.
     - Christians in Action stage ministry.
     - Okanogan Valley Farmers' Market will be in its customary location, Legion Park in Okanogan, on Saturday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     - Stampede will offer post-rodeo dances Friday and Saturday nights, with separate admission, in the dance area at the east end of the arena. The band both nights is Scott Smith and SRO.
     Fees are charged for parking on the grounds.
     Flaggers will be on hand to help direct traffic at the end of each rodeo performance.
     Additional information about Stampede is available at www.omakstampede.org.