Angola Prison Rodeo tickets available

Advocate file photo by Brenden Neville -- Offenders participating in "Convict Poker" rodeo event are thrown from the table by a bull during Angola Prison Rodeo at the Louisiana State Penitentary at Angola. The last man sitting at the table, or in this case sitting where a table used to be, is the winner of the event. The Rodeo takes place every Sunday during the month of October.

Baker-Zachary bureau

ANGOLA — Tickets are on sale for the annual Angola Prison Rodeo performances on the four Sundays in October.

Tickets may be purchased in advance online at the rodeo’s website, http://www.angolarodeo.com, or by calling (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person.

Louisiana State Penitentiary is at the west end of La. 66, 20 miles from U.S. 61 in West Feliciana Parish. The prison gates open to the public at 9 a.m. on rodeo days, and the performances begin at 2 p.m.

Visitors who arrive early may shop among a wide array of inmate arts and crafts items, including jewelry, leather work, paintings, wood work, lawn and garden furniture and toys.

Booths operated by inmate organizations offer a variety of food and beverages, and prison bands will entertain throughout the day.