September 11–13, 2026 · A Mardi Gras Barrel Race
Lucky J Steakhouse & Arena · Carthage, Missouri
⚜ Why Haul to the Carnival ⚜
The Carnival of Cans is a three-day barrel racing blowout with a minimum $10,000 added weekend, loads of sidepots, giveaways and prizes across all three days, and top awards like saddles from Bent Halo and custom buckles. We're revisiting the Mardi Gras theme this year — all the color you'd expect, with a little black & gray leopard mixed in.
Open 5D runs a ½-second split at 80% payback, plus a $1,000-added High Roller High Stakes 3D sidepot and $1,000-added average payout & awards. The money is real and so is the ground.
Five custom saddles from Bent Halo Saddlery ride on the Open Average — three days of barrels with a championship payoff for the riders who stay consistent.
Carthage, Missouri's Lucky J Steakhouse & Arena — good food, good times, and a Mardi Gras atmosphere you won't find at any other barrel race in the Midwest.
⚜ Don't Miss the Throw ⚜
Stalls and RV spots sell out every year. Lock your dates early — here's the timeline that matters.
Tuesday, August 11 at noon. Get in early to beat the opening rush.
Monday, September 7 at 10:00 PM. Entries must be paid by this deadline to hold your spot.
Wednesday, September 10 — late entries open with no late fee.
Three days of barrels & Mardi Gras — September 11–13 at Lucky J Arena.
Limited number available.
Claim a Paddock Package⚜ Three Days of Barrels ⚜
Tentative event order built from the 2026 flyers — exact run times to be confirmed. Full schedule will be posted on Facebook & SGP.
⚜ What You Can Run ⚜
½-second split across all three days. The headline race of the Carnival.
½-second split. High stakes, high payout for the riders who want more.
Open Average over the weekend — consistency pays at the Carnival.
$100/day added money plus a fast-time buckle in each division.
Two-day races with average awards for your up-and-coming horses.
$250 added for both Ride Alone and Assisted / Lead Line. The next generation rides here.
Entry fees & class details are managed through SGP. Refund policy posted in the Rules section below.
⚜ Tap to View ⚜
All the details, straight from the source. Tap any flyer to open it full-size.
⚜ Know Before You Go ⚜
Open 5D ½-second split, 80% payback. Standard divisional barrel-race rules apply across all classes. Full 2026 rule sheet posted on SGP & Facebook.
Online refunds (less the office fee & 4%) may be made up to the close of online entries. After the paid deadline, no refunds will be issued for any reason.
Age divisions (Senior, Adult, Youth, PeeWee) plus 2D Futurity & Derby. Check class eligibility on SGP before entering.
This is a summary. The official, governing rule sheet for 2026 will be linked here — drop in the final PDF/URL.
⚜ Bring the Whole Rig ⚜
Lucky J Steakhouse & Arena, Carthage MO. Stalls and RV hookups sell out — the surest way in is the Ringmaster's Paddock Sale.
Limited number available — first come, first served.
Stalls, RV hookups (with & without Thursday arrival), and shavings are reserved through SGP with your entry. Spots are limited and historically sell out before the deadline.
On the wait list or have questions? Contact producer Connie Dove.
⚜ Your Runs Count ⚜
BBR approved for the 14th straight year — and the Carnival of Cans works toward the other tours that matter to you. (Some sanctioning is pending final approval for 2026.)
Drop final logo files into /assets/sanction-*.png to replace the lettered placeholders.
⚜ Awards, Prizes & Goodies ⚜
Saddles, buckles, and goodies roll in all season long. Big thanks to the brands backing the 14th Annual Carnival of Cans.
Add partner logos to /assets/partner-*.png. Want to sponsor or donate a prize? Call Connie Dove at 660-221-1076.
⚜ The Carnival Is Coming ⚜
Put your brand at the center of the action. Three tiers, every budget — get your package now.
⚜ Latest from the Krewe ⚜
Schedule changes, draws, results, and Mardi Gras fun post first on Facebook. Tap follow so you never miss a throw.
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