MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hamilton, Stogner, Carmichael, Hyde-Smith, Jackson, Burton

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HARPER AND MORGAN RODEO CO, INC., UPON THE OCCASION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR PRODUCTION OF THE DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, as the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi, celebrates its 35th anniversary, Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company celebrates its 20th anniversary producing this prestigious event which is the biggest rodeo east of the Mississippi River; and

WHEREAS, of the 70 sanctioned rodeo companies producing Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos, few can boast the complete rodeo production capabilities that include colorful productions, high-level sports competition and overall entertainment that make up the Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company's Show; and

WHEREAS, Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company began when Lauderdale, Mississippi native Ralph Morgan and James Harper met in 1960 as competitors in the calf roping and steer wrestling events at a rodeo in Houma, Louisiana, and in 1972, they became partners, joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn., bringing with them six new indoor rodeos; and

WHEREAS, today the company produces 37 professional rodeo and professional bull ridings, mostly indoors in 16 states making Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company the nation's largest producer of indoor events; and

WHEREAS, what makes this rodeo company different is its fresh and aggressive approach emphasizing entertainment production and marketing, the unique productions combine multiple actors, pyrotechnics, stunts and music to tell wonderful stories of our American heritage and old west using the whole arena as a stage; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Morgan, who combined a career of logging and a weekend hobby of rodeoing to start this company, declares that providing good stock is the whole key to a good rodeo because it is easier for the good cowboys to get good scores on good stock; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this business which has for 20 years produced the event most identified with the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, and brought great honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company and Mississippi native Ralph Morgan upon the occasion of their 20th production of the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi, and wish them continued success in future Dixie National events.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.