By Kristin Fox
Cowgirls and cowboys from across the Southeast with gather in Franklin this upcoming weekend for the Franklin High School (FHS) chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) annual rodeo. For the last several weeks, FHS students have been working hard and putting final touches on this weekend’s rodeo.
On Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 at 8:00 p.m. at the Macon County Fairgrounds on 1436 Georgia Road, FHS FFA will be hosting their 7th annual rodeo.
Bar W Rodeo Company from Hayesville and Southern Rodeo Association will come together to present the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association (NCPRA)/International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) sanctioned rodeo as a fundraiser for the FHS FFA. All money raised from the rodeo will directly benefit the FHS students who participate in FFA.
Tickets for the rodeo are $20.00 for adults, $10 for kids aged three to ten, and children under two are free. Tickets can be purchased at FHS or from any FFA member. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. each evening, and the event will be held rain or shine. Vendors will be in the fairground’s barn selling rodeo souvenirs, apparel and t-shirts; Concessions will also be available.
Contestants come from all over to compete in the FHS rodeo which is a fully sanctioned rodeo. There are also several local contestants registered to participate in the FHS rodeo. This weekend’s rodeo will include Bare and Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrell Racing, Tie-Down Roping and Bull Riding.
The Southern Rodeo Association (SRA) was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization to promote the sport of rodeo in an effort to preserve the cowboy heritage. The SRA boasts of being the oldest rodeo association east of the Mississippi River. Members of the association come from as far north as Canada, as far south as Florida and as far west as Oklahoma. The SRA is constantly growing in membership and now sanctions rodeos all over the eastern United States.
Founded in 2008, Bar W Rodeo Company is a family-owned rodeo stock contracting company based in Hayesville, NC.
In 2016, for the first time in 20 years, FHS FFA hosted a rodeo at the fairgrounds. The event has been a huge success for the organization with record attendance and the raising of significant funds. The event has continued to grow and support FHS students and the local FFA chapter.
FHS FFA students under the leadership of FFA teachers Devon Deal and Jenny Collins have been working hard to ensure this year’s rodeo is a success. In preparation for the rodeo, the students have been getting sponsorships for the event and will continue to prepare for the rodeo by setting up bleachers and hanging banners. During the two nights of the rodeo, FHS students will work at the booths, help with parking, man the main gates, and pick up trash.
“This is a great event for families to come and enjoy,” said Jenny Collins, FHS Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor.
Franklin FFA Rodeo
May 19-20, 2023
Franklin, NC
NCPRA / SRA
LOCATION: Macon County Fairground
1436 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC
PERFORMANCE: 8:00 PM EST, Slack after performance
ADDED MONEY: $500 per event/ Ranch Broncs $300
ENTRY FEES: $85 BB, SB, CR, SW, CBA, CBR / $120 TR / $60 BR/ Ranch Broncs $60
Team Roping equal money (Enter Once) all fees + $10 finals fee+ $5 CES
CALL TO ENTER: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST / 337-427-6336
Internet Entries: 9 AM – 4 PM – CST – www.rodeosportsnetwork.com
TRADES: 9:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST / 337-427-6336
SPECIAL NOTES: Jerk down rule in effect / Must ride in grand entry.
STOCK CONTRACTOR: TL Rodeo Co
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