Rodeo returns to Posse Grounds

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
After an absence of several years, a professional rodeo is returning to Hartselle.
The inaugural Morgan County Sheriff’s Rodeo will be held at the old Morgan County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Arena on Vest Road Aug. 21-22. The gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 8 p.m. both days.
The event will be produced by Preston Fowlke’s Lone Star Rodeo Company from Kentucky, the same group that puts on a rodeo for Limestone and Cullman Counties. Professional cowboys and cowgirls, both local and out-of -state, will be competing for prize money in addition to points they’ll need to qualify for National Rodeo competition later in the year. Competitive event s will include bulldogging, steer wrestling, calf roping, women’s barrel racing, bronc riding and bull riding. Clown acts will also be featured.
A variety of fun-filled audience participation event are also on the program. They include a Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest for children under 10, a Stick Horse Contest, and a Gold Rush Contest for kids, a Diamond Rush for ladies and a Save-A-Horse, Ride- A-Cowboy Race for husbands and wives.
Bartlett said the facility will not only be used as the site for an annual rodeo but will available for other outdoor event s that require an arena and centrally heated and cooled concession stand and rest rooms.
Bartlett said proceeds from the two-day even would go back into the Sheriff’s Office to purchase needed equipment and patrol vehicles.”
Admission in advance is $10for adults and $8 for children and youth between age 5 and 18. Children under four will be admitted free. Advance tickets may be purchase at the Sheriff’s Office or at any office of People’s Bank. General admission will be $12 for adults and $10 for children and youth. under 18.