FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org
The Greatest Show on Dirt Celebrates 35 Years
Annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 19-20, 2017.
Decatur, Ala. – The largest outdoor rodeo east of the Mississippi returns for the 35th year to Athens for two days of high impact competition. Set for May 19-20, 2017, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo contains plenty of rodeo action, and in the week leading up to the event, organizers look to engage the community by offering several family-friendly events to participate in.
The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo gets underway both nights at 6 p.m. with pony rides for children and the Kids Gold Rush following at 7 p.m. Opening ceremonies are slated for 8 p.m. and competitive events lined up for both nights include 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. As cowboys and cowgirls compete for over $60,000 in prize money, the crowd is also entertained with professional rodeo clowns, chuck wagon races and other performers.
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 the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office and Preston’s Western Wear or online at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com.
Five rodeo-themed activities are also slated for the week leading up to the weekend competition. A parade featuring Queen contestants, cowgirls and cowboys of all ages on horseback, buggies and wagons hits the streets Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. The route travels from the Arena on Highway 99 to downtown Athens. The Rodeo Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, May 15. Hosted by Preston’s Western and Outdoor Wear, located at Highway 72 and I-65 in Athens, offers free kid’s activities and horseback rides. Everyone is invited to the Street Dance and Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse Square. Live music will be provided by local favorite Jeff Whitlow Country Band. A slack competition for team roping contestants is scheduled for Thursday, May 18. Gates open at 8 a.m. and admission is $5 per person. A rodeo especially geared for individuals with special needs is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, May 19 at the Arena.
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. Proceeds 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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