ANGOLA, La. (BRPROUD) — Every Sunday in October, people can attend the Angola Prison Rodeo, also known as "The Wildest Show in the South." The event has food, shopping and a lot of fun.
But what makes the rodeo so unique? It's at Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly called Angola Prison. Prisoners volunteer to participate and make it come to life.
Kevin Gildhouse has been behind bars since 2009.
“I got a life sentence for being a part of a murder that was committed. A man lost his life in a horrible way. And I was a part of that,” he said.
He considers the rodeo more than an event. It helps him feel free.
“When I'm here, I'm not locked up. I'm not incarcerated, it's an experience like no other. You know, the camaraderie, the love, the excitement, the fans, the free folk that work the rodeo. You know, like I said, when you're here, you're not incarcerated,” he said.
Gildhouse is now a different person and a mentor that prisoners look up to. He is a trusty — an inmate who has been in prison for more than 10 years and has gained trust to freely interact with attendees. He said he enjoys the season, highlights are having the opportunity to see his family and witnessing how the prisoners unite as a family.
“When I'm here, I'm in a home environment. You know, you got guys out here that sometimes won't even look at each other, helping each other, pushing each other. You know, it's wonderful,” he said.
Travis Johnson, nicknamed "Bucket Head," is another prisoner who is heavily involved in the competitions.
“We just get out there and basically give it our best. And everything is based on heart. You got to have the heart first to do it,” said Johnson.
Johnson trains for competitions throughout the year and has lost teeth while competing.
“When the bull jumped, he pulled me down. When he pulled me down, he threw his head up and he cracked this,” said Johnson, pointing to his mouth and upper lip.
He also enjoys the rodeo and has taken a business approach to the event, he said he loves how it gives him the opportunity to make money.
“They don't have to send me money because I work every day, and I rodeo. And I earn it in a good way,” he said.
The Angola Prison Rodeo consists of several competitions that make it an entertaining show to watch. A very popular competition is called convict poker. A bull is released and heads to four prisoners who sit at a poker table; whoever stays in a chair the longest wins.
People can also purchase arts and crafts made by inmates who show off their skills and get a chance to sell their masterpieces. Items include jewelry, belts, wood furniture, paintings, wooden roses, grills and more.
Charles Grace, a prisoner and art vendor, said he enjoys welding and is happy to sell his items to the community.
“It's just our way of giving back. You know, we try to offer good deals. And at the same time, we make relationships, we build relationships through our craftsmanship,” he said.
Funds raised by the event go to prisoners and re-entry programming for inmates, maintenance for the rodeo grounds and payments to livestock and professional crew.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or via phone at 225-655-2030. Cellphones and cameras can't be brought onto the rodeo grounds, and coming on the prison property means you consent to your person, vehicle or property being searched. All bags must be clear. Get more information about policies online.
