Saddle up and get ready to ride, because the return of a December tradition is just around the corner.

The Jimmy Arrington Memorial Rodeo gallops back to the Cullman County Ag Center next weekend for a two-day display of wild west skills and pro riding competition. The main event, part of the annual competitive PCA (Professional Cowboy Association) and IPPA (International Professional Rodeo Association) circuit, is hosted as always by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office as its signature fundraiser, both for sheriff’s programs and community benefit, each year.

The two big nights are Dec. 13 and 14 (each evening’s action starts at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.) But busloads of local kids will get a hands-on sneak peek on Dec. 12, when the sheriff’s office coordinates the annual Special Needs Mini-rodeo, which gives more than 1,000 special-needs children from local schools the chance to live the cowboy life for a day.

In addition to a ropin’, ridin’, and clownin’ expo put on by the pros, kids will also get to try their hands at lassoing stationary targets, racing around the barrel course, playing cowboy games, and even a hay ride or two around the arena. Proceeds from the weekend help fund not only gear and equipment for deputies, but also special projects at area schools.

Rodeo tickets, which are sold at the door, are $10 for adults, and $8 for students ages 6-18. For more information, check out the sheriff’s office on Facebook at @cullman.sheriff, or visit cullmansheriff.org.