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By CONNIE KIMSEY

It was in 1947 that the Constitution and By-Laws of the Arkansas City Round-Up Club were adopted. These rules are recorded in a booklet about the size of a business card, yet very readable.

The first item listed (Article I) is that the organization shall be known as the "Arkansas City Round-Up Club". Article II states "This club shall have as its principal objects: First-Promulgation of horsemanship and cooperative spirit when drilling or parading, and in meetings."

It's interesting to read the terminology used in this little booklet that has led the group to this day, as the club is now known as the Mavericks. The rules remain the same, with only a slight variation, such as the name and the amount of dues.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Mervin Bruce the other day. He was kind enough to relate to me some history of this club, founded by Gene Bullard in 1947. Mervin joined the group in 1967 and was elected president the following year, serving for the following six years.

Article VII in the By-Laws of 1947 states that the "Dues of the senior members shall be $5 per year. Either wife or husband is eligible for membership if one or both have required equipment. They must own their horse and must be well broke, and under 16 years of age.

Dues must be paid in advance.....". Today the dues are $10 for a single person or $15 for the household.

Article XI is very interesting; it is written "The club shall not be represented in any parade without display of the American Flag, club banner and attended by fourteen or more members mounted in uniform."

According to Article VIII "each member shall furnish his or her own uniform as follows: Shirt of regular color, tie, brown pants, brown hat of regular size, cowboy boots, stock saddle to fit the requirements of the club, insignia (Arkansas City Round-Up Club) shall be on arm of shirt in brown and aqua colors...."

The Annual Rodeo started as a 3-day event; it now is a 2-day event. This year's event takes place on June 29 and 30, at 8 p.m. each evening.

Each evening will include: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Bull Riding, Wild Cow Milking, and for the young participants, a Calf Scramble.

This year's Rodeo is dedicated to the U.S. Military and any "Active-Duty Military person who attends the event in "Uniform" will be admitted for free.

State Line Lounge is offering Karoke on Friday night for Rodeo attendees and a Dance on Saturday, from about 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.