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Rodeo organizers said they’re not concerned about inclement weather for Saturday’s start. Forecasts call for only a slight chance of rain the remainder of this weekend. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ weather should be warmer and drier when competition resumes Thursday.

Gary Williams, general manager of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Rodeo, said an even 600 cowboys have signed up for the nine-day event, and ticket sales are running 3 percent ahead of last year’s totals.

“And last year was a good year,� Williams said.

Last year’s rodeo was the 23rd-largest Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event of the year based on payout. Cowboys competed for a ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-record $331,218 in prizes.

This year’s event will include a new announcer (Will Rasmussen) and new clown (Mark Swingler).

“So that will be something different that the fans will notice — the regulars will notice,� rodeo spokesman Joan Liess said. “They’re a big part of the show. People love that entertainment aspect.�

Here’s a look at the rodeo’s day-by-day schedule:

Saturday

• Notable: Opening day
• Events: Gates open at 11 a.m., with mutton bustin’ and junior rodeo events starting at 12:30 p.m. Pro rodeo competition should start at 2 p.m., running until 4:30 p.m.

Sunday

• Notable: Wear Pink Day. Cowboys and fans are asked to wear pink to support breast-cancer initiatives.
• Events: Chicks n Chaps Women’s Rodeo Clinic starts at 8 a.m. Gates open at 11 a.m., with mutton bustin’ and junior rodeo events starting at 12:30 p.m. Pro rodeo competition starts at 2 p.m.

Monday-Tuesday

• Events: Slack competition starts at 8 a.m. and runs until the mid-afternoon. Admission for the slack events is $5.

Thursday

• Events: The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Rodeo Parade starts at 9 a.m. Gates open at 11 a.m., with pro rodeo competition starting at 2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 23

• Events: Gates open at 11 a.m., with pro rodeo competition starting at 2 p.m. The Coors Barn Dance starts at 4 p.m.; tickets are $5 for rodeo attendees.

Saturday, Feb. 24

• Events: Gates open at 11 a.m., with pro rodeo competition starting at 2 p.m. The Coors Barn Dance starts at 4 pm.; tickets are $5 for rodeo attendees.

Sunday, Feb. 25

• Events: Gates open at 11 a.m., with pro rodeo competition starting at 2 p.m. The Coors Barn Dance starts at 4 pm.; tickets are $5 for rodeo attendees.