TUSCUMBIA-Riders from across the South and Midwest are getting ready to saddle up their horses at Gardiner Farm in Tuscumbia and help fight childhood cancer.
The 20th annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride and Festival is Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 at Gardiner Farm, 85 Underwood Road, Tuscumbia. The festival includes trail rides, wagon rides, pony rides, concerts, an 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 Iron Horse on Friday night and Ronnie Milsap on Saturday night. Milsap is country music superstar, whose hits include “Smoky Mountain Rain”, “Any Day Now” and “Pure Love”.
Jimmy King, coordinator for the event, said all the profit from the festival goes to the hospital. More than 125 children from the Shoals are being treated at St. Jude.
“Since we started the ride in 1996, we have raised over $1.7 million for St. Jude,” King said. “We hope to make it to $2 million this year. We’re expecting a really big crowd this year with Ronnie Milsap. You don’t need a horse to come join the fun.”
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 15. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with Stampede, followed by CC Jags at 7:45 p.m. and Iron Horse at 9:15 p.m.
Music begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16 with April Michelle followed by Showdown at 1 p.m. and the Josh Brannon Band at 2:15 p.m. The auction begins at 3:30 p.m. Millsap’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 festivals in the Shoals.
“Although it’s called a trail ride, you do not have to own a horse to participate. It’s open to everyone who wants to listen to great music, eat delicious food and help a very worthy cause,” Hamlin said. “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 and follow the signs.
