Angola Prison Rodeo Continues This Weekend

The longest running prison rodeo in the nation, The Angola Rodeo, got its start in 1965.  The first arena was small, built by a handful of dedicated inmates and personnel, and now  it's the longest running prison rodeo in the nation,held every Sunday in October.

What began 40 years ago as a "fun" thing by a handful of rodeo-loving inmates and employees is now big business.  Proceeds from the Angola Prison Rodeo cover rodeo expenses and supplement the Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmate Welfare Fund which provides for inmate educational and recreational supplies. There are hundreds of hobby crafts booths, with high quality items made by the inmates - everything from folk art to furniture. The food is fabulous, as well, with booths being manned by the different prison organizations.

If you've never been, and are planning to go, make sure you check out the "rules for the public" page, and don't miss out on one of Louisiana's most historic and fun events at the prison rodeo!