The month of May in Tonganoxie means the end of the school year, the beginning of the pool season and more recently it has also meant it’s time for the rodeo.

For a third consecutive year, the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo will call the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds home.

The event will be Thursday through Saturday in Tonganoxie

Dennis Schurr, Abdallah rodeo production manager, said that the Shriners have been going to the fairgrounds and getting ready for the three-night event.

Schurr said he doesn’t even want to count the number of hours that have already been worked in order to get the grounds ready for the nearly 9,000 spectators and nearly 350 competitors each year.

In 2008 the Shriners gave out more than $30,000 in prize money to the riders. Schurr said he recently spoke with the rodeo’s stock contractor and he expects a full slate of competitors this year.

“Now we just need people to come by and fill the seats,” Schurr said.

Points awarded at the Shrine Rodeo count toward the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo on Oct. 22-24 at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, people will once again come out to enjoy three nights of bareback riding, barrel racing, mutton busting and, of course, the popular bull riding.

Besides the rodeo, the Shriners also are sponsoring a carnival, a craft show and an antique car show from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“The Shriners have always strived to make the rodeo something that was family-friendly, and it really is,” said Ruth Nicolaus, rodeo spokeswoman. “Tickets are only $10 for adults and children under 12 (years) get in free.”

Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found on the rodeo’s Web site.