after hours

Now That's Entertainment!

Sometimes, usually, we take the familiar for granted. Take The American Royal for example. It's been here forever it seems.

Yep, since 1899. It's got a worthy goal, promoting our "strong agricultural heritage by sponsoring the Midwest's oldest and largest annual agricultural celebration." Great, but we forget, sometimes, just how much fun it can be, too. "Now That's Entertainment!" is the American Royal theme for 2000, and maybe it's time to check it out, partner.

Enough hokum. In October and November, the Royal welcomes her 101st season with a pretty exciting schedule, especially for city folk. While the "big show" consists of three primary events-rodeo, livestock, and horse shows - a host of special activities and programs can also delight. These include the obvious ones such as "The World's Largest Barbecue Contest" or the annual parade or great singers and bands. But there are less apparent ones even for just the mildly curious: The World of Ag or the Hunter/ Jumper Show or Corporate Western Day (not to be confused with the Super Bull National Finals). Many events are free, some require tickets, but all promise to remind you of the "good old days" of rural America . . . even if you never experienced them in the first place - and they're much more exciting at the Royal.

It pretty much all starts off with America's largest hometown parade on Saturday, October 28. You know this parade. Go. Afterwards, drive around and look at downtown - venture over to the new federal courthouse on 9th and Oak or go further west and see what downtown living looks like at Quality Hill around 9th and Broadway. And remember, there are places to eat around too - from Crown Center to the AT&T Pavilion to Broadway. Make a day of it.

Maybe include shopping in that day, but with a difference. Visit the Kansas City Market Place, open from October 27 to November 4 in the Governors Building and Grand Hall. Always popular, this trade show features everything from handmade jewelry to cowboy boots to Dodge Trucks.

There are several different horse shows, some free, some not. Take in at least one whether it's the Quarter or Arabian shows on October 20-21 or November 17-19, respectively. Or pay a little money and be awed by the Saddle Horse Show, one of the top three in the nation, on November 7-11.

Been to a rodeo lately? Ever? The "big show" rodeo is the Ranch Rodeo occurring on November 4th. One of the top ten rodeos in the country, it includes events you just normally don't see around town - saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling. A typical Royal rodeo also includes an entertaining specialty act and often features the popular mutton bustin'. (You say you just don't know what mutton bustin' is? This is the year to find out.) And this year, the Rodeo Finals on November 4 will be taped by ESPN. Most evening rodeos are also followed by a concert featuring a popular country music entertainer like Toby Keith, Clay Walker, or Diamond Rio. You might even end up liking country music.

Willie Nelson is appearing after the Superbull Finals on November 5. Before he sings, you'll see the country's biggest and meanest bulls as they clash with the top riders in the country - even non-fans say this event is sheer excitement.

We wouldn't put the Chicago cows downtown, but the American Royal has moved heaven and earth (more than 2,800 tons into Kemper and Hale arenas) to get this livestock here again. We can at least stop taking this grand old event for granted and check out what entertainment can be.

Need specific information?

Go to the Internet: www.americanroyal.com