- For Immediate Release -

PRESS RELEASE

August 12, 2026

 

 

LAKE CHARLES, LA – March 26th of this year was a sad day for the world of Rodeo. James Howard Harper passed away at the age of 86. James had an unparalleled impact on the families of Southwest Louisiana as the president of the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association and the co-founder of Harper & Morgan Rodeo.

 

James added a exciting flare to his rodeo by making each performance larger than life. His motto was, “The Greatest Show On Dirt”. He was and will remain a true legacy in the rodeo world. 

 

The Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo baton has now been passed on to Rorey Lemmel who is committed to making this, the 88th year of this family event a tribute to James Harper and one that rodeo fans from all over will remember as the event that brought Southwest Louisiana together with great athletes, fun family entertainment, and the force behind a non-profit scholarship program to alleviate financial burdens for local deserving students.

 

For more information about this very important cause, contact Darrin Manuel at darrinsmanuel22@gmail.com.