FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

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DATES AND ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED FOR ANNUAL SHERIFF’S RODEO IN ATHENS

Decatur, Ala. – Considered the largest outdoor rodeo east of the Mississippi, the annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 20-21, 2011 and this year’s event promises to be just as entertaining as the past 28 years. From hayrides to horseback rides, cowgirls and cowboys are invited to participate in one of several family-friendly events leading up to the rodeo weekend.

On both nights, gates open at 6 p.m. with pony rides for children 10 years and under from 6 to 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., children are invited to participate in the Kids Gold Rush, with Opening Ceremonies following at 8 p.m. Events include all the action from a high impact rodeo such as bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, kids calf scramble, cowgirl’s barrel racing, chuck wagon races, and bull riding along with professional rodeo clowns and specialty acts. 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.

Advance ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for 12 years and under. Gate ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for 12 years and under. Tickets may be purchased in Athens at Limestone Sheriff’s Office, Railroad Bazaar, Jiffy #1 and #2, Preston’s Western Wear, Marie’s Country Store, and Posey’s Grocery, and Warren’s BP in Rogersville.

Five rodeo-themed activities are also slated for the week leading up to the event. A parade featuring Queen and Cowboy Contestants and cowgirls and cowboys of all ages on horseback along with many buggies and wagons is set for Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. from the Arena to downtown Athens.

The official kickoff of the rodeo is scheduled for Monday, May 16 beginning at 5 p.m. Preston’s Western & Outdoor Wear, located at Highway 72 and I-65 in Athens, is hosting the Rodeo Kickoff offering free kid’s activities and horseback rides. Everyone is invited to the Street Dance on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse Square. Along with line dancing to live music by the Jeff Whitlow Country Band, a western fashion show is planned for the evening. A slack competition for team roping contestants is scheduled for Thursday. Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission is $5 per person. . Sponsored by Turner Beverage Company of Huntsville and Stateline Sporting Goods of Athens, the Exceptional Rodeo, a rodeo for individuals with special needs, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena.

In 2010, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo was named “Event of the Year” by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” for the month of May 2010 by the Southeast Tourism Society, a non-profit organization promoting travel, sustainable tourism and the importance of the travel and tourism industry in 12 Southeastern states.

Proceeds from the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo benefit law enforcement in Limestone County. For more information, call 256.232.0111 or visit www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com for a complete schedule of events.

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)

AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting www.northalabama.org.

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