ATHENS — Strap on those chaps, sharpen the spurs and practice your rope-spinning skills because the “Greatest Show on Dirt” is coming to Athens this month.
As part of Rodeo Week, the 40th annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo, hosted by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, opens May 20 at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama Highway 99 west of Athens.
Come kick up your heels with Tomcat and Bark the Dawg as Rodeo Week kicks off May 16 with a street dance sponsored by Cast Products, Inc. at 6 p.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse Square.
Slack competition for team roping contestants and contestant overflow takes place at the arena May 19 and several family-friendly events are planned during the week leading up to two nights of rodeo competition May 20 and 21.
Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights with competition starting at 8.
Also, May 20, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., the Special Needs Rodeo takes place at the arena. Gates open at 8 a.m. and competition begins at 9. Admission is $5.
Some of the events include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding.
As the riders compete for prize money, the crowd will be entertained with professional rodeo clowns, chuck wagon races and other acts.
Daily tickets are $15 in advance for adults and $17 at the gate. Children 12 years and under are $10 in advance; $12 at the gate.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office or online here.
The rodeo is produced by the Lone Star Rodeo Co. All proceeds benefit the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.
