Rodeo Week got off to a favorable start Tuesday with the Heritage Museum's annual Legends & Legacies fund-raiser and continues at 5:30 p.m. today with the rodeo parade. Horses, floats, flag bearers and a sheriff's posse or two will join in the march which will begin at 11th and Main, head north to the courthouse square and come back south down Scurry. Clowns, Shriners implement dealers and others will be on hand to entertain the crowd, which typically lines both streets along the route.

The parade will break up about 6:30 p.m., leaving plenty of time for everyone to get to make the 8 p.m. grand entry at the Rodeo Bowl.

Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets at the gate each night will be $10 for adults and $6 for children.

In addition to traditional rodeo fare — bull riding, bronc riding, bareback, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and barrels — there will be several special events.

Mutton busting will be held nightly with an entry fee of $20 per child. Protective gear is provided by the rodeo association and the youngsters compete for boots and buckles.

Tommy Lucia is the rodeo's feature act, with his Capuchin monkey, Whiplash, as well as Scottish dogs and a black thoroughbred to entertain the crowd. Lucia has been the opening act for the National Finals Rodeo seven times.

For those who like to scoot a boot, there are three dances scheduled — all at the fairbarn. Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys will perform tonight. Thanks to the Click Ranch, admission is free tonight with a rodeo ticket. Clear Water will take the stage Friday. Admission is $10. And Saturday, headliner Cory Morrow will entertain. Tickets are $20 each.

Purchase advance tickets at Ward's Boot and Saddle, the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, First Bank of West Texas, Compass Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Citizens FCU, State National Bank or H-E-B Grocery.

For information on the mutton busting or to enter, contact Diane Hofacket at 267-8041.

Gates open nightly at 7 p.m.