Angola Prison Rodeo: Sundays, October 2-30

Head out to Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for the 2011 Angola Rodeo every Sunday from October 2-30, 2011.

The rodeo, which has been noted as the country’s largest prison rodeo, puts inmates against beasts in such events as Bull-Dogging, Bust-Out, Bareback Riding and Bull Riding.

Convict Poker is one of the most popular events. Four inmates sit at a table in the middle of the arena playing poker. A wild bull is released and the last man remaining at the table is the winner.

If that isn’t exciting enough, the last event Guts & Glory puts a poker chip between the horns of the toughest bull on the yard. Inmates then have to try to get close enough to the bull to grab the chip.

Some people have called the Angola Rodeo a “gladiator event” but whatever you think of it, you won’t find it boring. You’ll also get the chance to drive onto the grounds of Angola and stop off at the museum and gift shop.

Tickets are $15. The gates open at 9 a.m. and the rodeo starts at 2 p.m. Angola is about a 2.5-hour drive from New Orleans. The drive from St. Francisville to the gates of the prison may be one of the most beautiful in the state.

For more information, call (225) 655-2030 or visit the web site.