How to go to America's most famous prison rodeo in Angola for Guts-n-Glory, other wild events

America's most famous prison rodeo returns this fall to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, where the event known as "The Wildest Show in the South" will draw tens of thousands of fans.

The Angola Prison Rodeo is set for every Saturday in October.

West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard told USA Today Network that The Wildest Show in the South will attract a flood of tourists to the parish and its largest city St. Francisville.

"It's known worldwide," Havard said. "We see people from all over the country, and even from Europe, who come to the rodeo. It's a major draw. We're glad to see it back."

Warden Tim Hooper said inmate cowboys will compete in what he describes as "heart-stopping events" like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding and the world famous Guts-n-Glory, where inmates try to pluck a chip from between the eyes of a raging bull.

All of the rodeo action is displayed in a 10,000-seat arena.

The prison campus is transformed into festival grounds on rodeo days, with live music from inmate bands, food and shopping for inmate-made arts and crafts like jewelry, leathercrafts, paintings, woodworking, lawn and garden furniture and toys.

There are also pony rides and carnival games for children.

"It's great for the parish," Havard said.

America's longest-running prison rodeo began in 1965. There was a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rodeo proceeds assist with the funding of reentry programs.

Rodeo events begin at 1 p.m., but the gates open at 8 a.m.

Tickets are $20 and on sale online at www.angolarodeo.com. Tickets can also be bought by phone at from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607. Authenticity of tickets purchased anywhere else cannot be guaranteed. Rodeo proceeds assist with the funding of cutting edge reentry programs that work to create fewer crime victims upon release of inmates.

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Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: America's most famous prison rodeo returns to Angola in Louisiana