LIMESTONE COUNTY – Plenty of rodeo action is expected to hit the dirt in the north Alabama town of Athens on the third weekend in May. The 42nd annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 17-18, 2024, 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 Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with the Cast Products, Inc. street dance on the east side of the Limestone
County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Slated to perform is Southern Strays band. Attendees can enjoy restaurants and merchants around the downtown area.
Slack competition for team roping contestants and contestant overflow will take place at the arena located on Alabama Highway 99 on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Admission is $5.
The annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo – sponsored by Allen Brown Heating & Cooling, American Detention Services, Athens Rotary Club, Grayson Bailey Landscaping, Redstone Federal Credit Union, and Grayson Carter and Son Contracting, – will take place Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena. This rodeo is for community individuals with special needs. Participants are expected to attend from the entire north Alabama region.
Rodeo’s main events are scheduled for May 17 and 18, 2024. Gates open at 6 p.m. on both nights 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 as well as Specialty Act Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard & Team Ghostriders; chuckwagon races, and other performers.
Major Sponsors for this year’s rodeo include – Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Combined Public Communications, Flanagan Lumber Company, Halsey Food Service, H&R Agri-Power, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Legacy Commissary Services, Pepsi and Dream Key Real Estate.
Winter Timber Outdoors is sponsoring two pistols to be given away, one each night of the rodeo. Chances to win are currently being sold for $3 or 4 for $10 at the Sheriff’s Office, Winter Timber Outdoors location, and can be purchased both nights of the rodeo. You do not have to be present that night at the rodeo to win. The winner must complete firearm registration at Winter Timber Outdoors before receiving the pistol.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo committee is proud to work with Turn Key Health Clinics to sponsor two $1,000 scholarships for Athens-Limestone County high school seniors. One FFA student and one 4-H student will be recognized at the rodeo. The deadline for applicants is May 1, 2024. More information on the scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Daily ticket prices are for adults $15 (advance) or $20 (gate) children 12 years and under $8 (advance) or $12 (gate), and children 3 years and under free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Limestone County Sheriff’s office and online at https://www.showpass.com/42nd-
The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is produced by the Lone Star Rodeo Company and is held at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena located 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.
Media Release/Blake Williams, TMP/Communication & Research Specialist/Limestone County Economic Development Association
