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By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

Maplesville High School, Deep South Rodeo and 3R Rodeo Company have partnered to bring the Bulls & Barrels rodeo to Ray’s Arena in Jemison on Aug. 12-13.

All proceeds from the rodeo will benefit the Maplesville Athletic Boosters Club. Gates will open at 6 p.m. both nights and mutton busting will begin at 7:15 p.m. followed by the rodeo at 8 p.m.

Shawn Reed, who heads the Maplesville Athletic Boosters Club, said the group was looking for a new fundraiser to do. They saw Deep South Rodeo on Facebook and reached out to the company.

“We contacted them, and they were very open to doing it,” Reed said. “We went out and found all of our sponsors to help put the rodeo on. We are very excited about having this rodeo and what it could bring to us as a new fundraiser.”

Tickets cost $20 at the gate, and $40 VIP tickets are available in limited quantity. Children five years old and younger get in for free.

The rodeo will consist of the young riders doing mutton busting followed by horse barrel racing and bull riding competitions.

“You do not want to jump in too far over your head to start off with so that is what we are starting with this year,” Reed said. “If it is a great success, we may build off of it next year.”

Reed said the tradition of rodeo is a county-wide theme, not just in Maplesville. He thinks the tradition of rodeo in Chilton County is what makes these rodeo events so big in the communities.

“I think a lot of people come in from surrounding counties as well that have interest in rodeo,” Reed said.

Registration to ride at the event will open the week of the event online. Those who want to participate can also call 205-294-4903 during the call-in date on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Registration is $85 per rider. The event is an open event and will be open to anyone willing to give rodeo a try.

“If you feel adventurous, you may want to try it out,” Reed said. “We are really looking forward to this event, and we hope this will become an annual event we do.”

Ray’s Arena is located at 3298 Alabama Highway 191 in Jemison.