This year when people want directions to the Jim Shoulders Spring Roundup Rodeo, they can be told to "go down Jim Shoulders Trail."
trail dedicationThe gravel roadway leading to the Jim Shoulders received it's official designation Thursday.
Sharon and Marvin Shoulders were on hand to see the sign at the start of the trail just inside the Nichols Park entrance.
"We tried to name the Lake road after Jim (Shoulders) but complications in the 9-1-1 system made that impossible," said Henryetta chamber of commerce executive director Roy Madden.
"We have been needing to do this for some time."
Shoulders, a Henryetta fixture and rodeo legend, died in 2007. Before his death, he became known world-wide as a world champion cowboy and has been inducted into both the Pro Rodeo and Bull Riders halls of fame.
Another Henryettan, Terry Don West, and a famous bull connected with the Shoulders family, Tornado, will be honored May 13 as they are inducted into the Bull Riders Hall of Fame.
During the dedication, Madden credited Andy Bealko and Mark and Tammie Hiatt for their efforts in growing the rodeo attraction in Henryetta.
"These folks were the founders," he said, pointed out they have spent 20 years working to make the rodeo grow and improve the arena at Nichols Park.
The Jim Shoulders Trail will be well-travelled in June when the Spring Roundup Rodeo gets underway.
Set to start at 8 p.m. on June 3 and 4, the rodeo will include some of the top cowboys and cowgirls from around the area as well as top-notch rough stock to test them.
Presale rodeo tickets will be on sale next week at the following Henryetta locations: Chamber of Commerce, Hiatt Window and Glass, Jiffy Mart, Pau's Western Store, and Coalton Feed & Shavings.