(Video) Stars & Stripes rodeo returns to ag center
Published 5:30 am Saturday, March 7, 2020
- Rodeo participants and workers pause for the National Anthem.
The first night of action at Friday’s Stars & Stripes rodeo may have just made a new fan out of four year-old Josiah Smith. Down from Decatur with Ivory, his aunt, it was clear the rodeo first-timer wanted to get down on the arena floor.
“I’ve been saying I was gonna get him into the rodeo ever since he was a baby,” joked Ivory, who’s long taken in the ropin’ & ridin’ at the Morgan County Celebration Arena in Priceville. “His eyes lighted up when we walked in here. I don’t think telling him about it all this time got him nearly as excited for it as getting to see the real thing.”
Sponsored by the West Point Band Boosters, the annual event — now in its 37th year — brings fans to the Cullman County Agricultural Center for a two-night affair that continues this evening. With professional riders competing for cash as part of the Southeastern Pro Rodeo Association, the rodeo casts a wide net to rope in some serious talent.
“You aren’t going to see as many local riders in the competitive portion,” Band Boosters president Josh Sellers said. “But what you will see is a high quality of competition, which I think is part of what makes our event unique.”
There’re plenty of other attractions beyond the main event. Ivory wouldn’t allow her eager nephew to take part in the kids’ mutton-busting contest (“Maybe next year,” she said), but there’s plenty of other fun to be had, including face painting and a rodeo clown costume contest.
Proceeds from the rodeo help the Band Boosters fund big expenses, with this year’s take going toward new uniforms for the Warrior marching band. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults, and $10 for kids ages 6-10. Children ages 5 and under get in for free.
The dust kicks up again tonight when the doors at the Ag Center open at 5:30 p.m., with the main event kicking off at 7 p.m.
Tickets at the door are $12 for adults, and $10 for kids ages 6-10. Children ages 5 and under get in for free.
The dust kicks up again tonight when the doors at the Ag Center open at 5:30 p.m., with the main event kicking off at 7 p.m.
