TUSCUMBIA-The biggest saddle ride of its kind in the country is headed to the Shoals.
The annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride and Festival is Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 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.
This year’s headline entertainers are April Michelle on Friday night and John Anderson
April Michelle
on Saturday night.
With more than 500 riders and their horses, along with thousands of non-riders, are expected for this year’s ride. It is the nation’s largest trail ride for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Jimmy King, coordinator for the event, all the profit from the festival goes to the hospital.
John Anderson
More than 125 children from the Shoals are being treated at St. Jude, he said.
“Since we started the ride 19 years ago, we have raised more than $1.5 million for St. Jude. Last year, even with the 6 inches of rain that fell over the weekend, we still had a great crowd and raised $130,000,” King said. “We are hoping for better weather this year. Anyone can come out and enjoy the music, the great food, the auction and the other activities to help us help St. Jude. You don’t need a horse to participate.”
Riders have more than 30 miles of trails spread over around 2,000 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.
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 17. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with Stampede, followed by Showdown at 7:45 p.m. and April Michelle at 9 p.m.
Music begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 with the Josh Brannon Band. KGB performs at 5:30 p.m. The John Anderson concert gets underway at 7:30 p.m. The auction begins at 2 p.m.
Susann Hamlin
Susann Hamlin, executive director of the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said the Tuscumbia Saddle Up for St. Jude event has become one of the largest festivals in the Shoals.
“It’s a unique event because although it’s called a trail ride, it attracts lots of people who do not own horses. They go to hear 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.
