More than 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls will come to the Lowndes County Agri-Center this weekend for a two-day rodeo event benefiting the Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Services.
“This event has been nearly a year in the planning,” said Bill Hudson, owner of Double Creek Rodeo Company, which is hosting the event.
“We originally came and did a site survey and looked at the Lowndes County Agri-Center. They have not hosted a big ticketed event yet. Originally, when we came and looked, we were introduced to some local firefighters, and that’s where we got the inspiration to make it a fundraiser for them.”
Starting at 7:30 p.m. each night, the event will be held on Friday and Saturday.
The event, which is a pro rodeo, sanctioned by the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association, will feature eight different types of shows: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
“We’ve got a couple of past world champions, in different events, coming in,” Hudson said. “There are several really good contestants.”
Tickets for the event are only available at the gate, and are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under.
All proceeds will be donated to the Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Services, which serves the rural parts of the county.
“We are hoping that we have a good turnout where we can get enough donations and ticket sales to help build the money where we can split it amongst all five districts in the county,” said Neal Austin, Lowndes County volunteer fire coordinator. “They are planning to use the money to buy needed equipment.”
The amount of money a rodeo like this typically brings in varies, and with this being the inaugural event, there is no comparison to draw.
“It’s kind of a shot in the dark, especially being a new venue,” Hudson said. “Our goal is to see the firefighters make $15,000 to $20,000 in profit. That’s very attainable but depends on weather and attendance. … It’s up to the community now to come and support their firefighters.”
The firefighters have played an integral role in preparing for the event by selling sponsorships to local businesses.
“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes,” Austin said. “We’ve had a really good support base with our sponsors. I feel pretty confident that we’ve got a lot of good sponsors and we’ve got a lot of good food, so it should be a good time.”
The weather may be a concern for some, but Hudson added rain will not hinder the show as it is a covered arena.
“We are praying for the weather to come in later Friday night, but we’ll take what we can get,” Austin said.
Double Creek Rodeo Company brought in portable bleachers for seating, which were set up on Wednesday. Hudson said there will be seating enough for about 2,000 people.
He added the event is great for all ages, and families are encouraged to attend.
“It’s just good, clean family entertainment,” Hudson said.
How to go
■ WHAT: Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Services Rodeo
■ WHEN: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
■ WHERE: Lowndes County Agri-Center (485 Tom Rose Road)
■ HOW: Tickets available at the gate: $15 (Adults), $10 (5-12), Free (4 and under)
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