Released February 24, 2003

LOWE NAMED GRAND MARSHALL FOR RODEO;
WORLD-RENOWNED CLYDESDALES TO PERFORM

HATTIESBURG - University of Southern Mississippi Dining Services Director Robert M. "Bob" Lowe will serve as grand marshal for the 18th annual Southern Miss Coca Cola Classic Rodeo March 21-22.

The world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will perform at halftime each night of the rodeo, which will be held at the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi Purpose Center on U.S. 49 south of Hattiesburg.

"Everyone who knows me knows I love the rodeo," said Lowe, an enthusiastic fan of the entertainment. "I have followed this particular rodeo from its beginning and can tell you that it really is fun to watch. I encourage everyone to join us at this year's event."

The Clydesdales are returning to Hattiesburg through the generosity of Southern Beverage Company, a sponsor of the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo. These "gentle giants" – along with the dalmatian and the famous red, white and gold wagon – receive thousands of appearance requests each year. In addition to their halftime performances, the horses also will make a special appearance at Southern Miss's Payne Center fitness facility March 21.

Advance ticket sales for the classic rodeo will begin March 4. Tickets are $15 and $10 for adults, and $10 and $8 for children. Tickets are available at the Payne Center on the Southern Miss campus, T.J.'s Western Wear on U.S. 49 in Hattiesburg, Triple J Western Center in Eatonville, and Tom & Calico Cat in Laurel's Sawmill Square Mall.

An active member of the Mississippi Restaurant Association, Lowe has served as past president of the local chapter and is currently serving on its board of directors. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the Mississippi Restaurant Association's Educational Foundation.

Through the Educational Foundation, Lowe works to secure scholarship money for two programs. One program provides scholarships to high school students who will be pursuing collegiate degrees in the hospitality field. The other program is Pro Start, which assists high school students who will not be attending college with training in the food service industry.

Lowe is past president of the Sunrise Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Lowe and his wife, Olivia, have one daughter, Hope Edwards, and two grandsons, Mat and Nathan Edwards, all of Las Vegas, Nev.

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