ATHENS — Plenty of rodeo action is expected to hit the dirt in May when the annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo returns to Athens.
Now in its 43rd year, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 16-17 and, along with two days of high impact rodeo competition, organizers look to engage the community by offering several family-friendly events in the week leading up to the rodeo.
Rodeo week kicks off at 6 p.m. May 13 with the Cast Products street dance on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square and live music. In addition to dancing and music, restaurants and merchants around the downtown area will be open for business.
Slack competition for team roping contestants and contestant overflow will take place at the arena located on Alabama Highway 99 on May 15. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Admission is $5.
The annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo will take place May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena. This rodeo is specifically for community individuals with special needs. Participants are expected to attend from the entire north Alabama region.
The main events of the rodeo are scheduled for May 16-17. Gates open at 6 p.m. with competition starting at 8 p.m.
Competitive events lined up for both nights include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding.
As cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money, the crowd is also entertained with professional rodeo clowns including International Professional Rodeo Association Barrelman Mighty Mike Wentworth in action and specialty acts, chuckwagon races and other performers.
Daily ticket prices are adults $15 (advance by May 1) or $20 (gate) and children 4 to 12 years old are $8 (advance by May 1) or $12 (gate). Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Limestone County Sheriff’s office and online (convenience fee charged) at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com.
The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama Highway 99 west of Athens. All proceeds are used to purchase equipment for the Limestone County sheriff’s office. Call 256-232-0111 or visit www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com for more information.
