WEEKEND: Things to Do

<p class="p1">CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO

<p class="p1">The Randolph County Fair opens in style Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9, with a rodeo competition at the fairgrounds in Sparta (506 W. Belmont)

<p class="p1">Bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, roping and other events will be featured. Tickets are $15 with children $10.

<p class="p1">Advance discounted tickets are available at Sparta Equipment. Advance tickets for one day admission are $13 for adults and $8 for children.

<p class="p1">The event occurs at 7 p.m. both nights, rain or shine, with gates opening at 5 p.m.

<p class="p1">For more information, call Lucas Lehde at 618-314-2596.

<p class="p1">CARSON & BARNES CIRCUS

<p class="p1">The Carson & Barnes Circus returns to Chester's Cohen Complex with two shows on Sunday - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

<p class="p1">Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under age 12. Prices are $16 for adults and $10 for children under age 12 when purchased on circus show days.

<p class="p1">Advance tickets are currently available at Chester City Hall, Buena Vista National Bank main branch on Swanwick Street and Buena Vista National Bank Chester Center branch.

<p class="p1">The event is sponsored by the City of Chester. For more information, call 618-826-1430.

<p class="p1">SPA DAY

<p class="p1">The pampered pachyderms of the Carson & Barnes Circus are looking forward to their upcoming stop at Chester's Cohen Recreation Complex.

<p class="p1">On Sunday, July 10, at 3 p.m., the biggest stars of the circus are scheduled to receive full "Spa Treatment" from head to toe, and the public is invited to watch.

<p class="p1">Lisa, Becky, and Tracy will be lathered, scrubbed, exfoliated, moisturized, and pedicured, so they look and feel their best when they greet fans at that afternoon's big top performance.

<p class="p1">The process takes gallons of specially formulated "beauty soap" and hundreds of gallons of fresh water.

<p class="p1">Elephant and pony rides are available for a small charge on the Circus midway, along with many other exciting pre-show activities.