TUSCUMBIA-Riders from several states are getting ready to load up their horses and head to Gardiner Farm in Tuscumbia to help fight childhood cancer.
The 23rd annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride and Festival is Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at Gardiner Farm, 85 Underwood Road, Tuscumbia. The festival includes trail rides, wagon rides, pony rides, concerts, a huge auction, arts and crafts, food vendors and activities for children. It is the nation’s largest trail ride for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
This year’s headline entertainers are April Michelle on Friday night and Restless Heart on Saturday night.
Restless Heart, known for impeccable vocal harmonies, has been together more than 35 years with its original five members, John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis and Larry Stewart. Their hits include “I’ll Still Be Loving You”, “Fast Train” and “When She Cries”.
Festival coordinator Jimmy King said all the profit from the event goes to the hospital. Since it began in 1996, the festival has raised more than $2 million for St. Jude.
“They do a world of good helping kids with cancer at St. Jude,” King said. “We’re just glad we can help them with Saddle Up. We’ve all got big hearts when it comes to helping the St. Jude kids.”
Riders have more than 25 miles of trails spread over around 3,000 acres. King said riders choose 
their pace and the trails they want to explore. No all-terrain vehicles, other than those used by St. Jude volunteers, are allowed on the trails. More details are available at saddleup4kids.org.
Admission for the weekend is a $35 donation for riders. Admission for non-riders is $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday. Primitive camping is available.
The farm opens at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 19. Concessions open at 10 a.m. and music begins at 6:30 p.m. with Cowboy Church Band, followed by April Michelle at 8 p.m.
The farm opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 20. Music begins at 10:30 a.m. with the Josh Brannon Band , followed by KGB at noon and the Josh Brannon Band at 1:30 p.m. The auction begins at 3 p.m. Restless Heart’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said Saddle Up for St. Jude is one of the largest annual events in the Shoals.
“Some people think this event is only for people who own horses. Owning a horse is not a requirement to attend,” Hamlin said. “Although it’s called a trail ride, it attracts lots of people who have never even ridden a horse. They go to hear great music, eat delicious food and help a very worthy cause. It’s a great event for families.”
For more details, call 256-446-5392 or Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau at 256-383-0783.
Directions to Gardiner Farm
From U.S. 72 in Tuscumbia, turn south onto service road at Colbert County Farmers Co-Op. Go one block then turn left onto Frankfort Road. Travel south for 1.7 miles, then, turn left onto Underwood Mountain Road. Travel 3.1 miles to County Farm Road, turn left and follow the signs.
