The 36th annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo is still a little more than a month away, but organizers this week announced a spate of related activities.

The rodeo proper begins at 8 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama 99. The event continues at 8 p.m. the following night.

As in years past, proceeds from the event — known locally as “The Greatest Show on Dirt” — will help provide maintenance and repairs at the arena and equipment and training for the Sheriff’s Office. Ongoing projects at the arena include construction of a firing range. Sheriff Mike Blakely said proceeds may also be used to purchase another patrol car.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children for each day. They may be purchased online at https://bit.ly/2EqkqKK.

When asked if attendees can expect anything new from this year’s event, the sheriff laughed and said, “no rain.”

Given the timing of the annual event, Blakely acknowledged the rodeo can sometimes fall victim to “some really bad weather.”

“We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping and praying for pretty weather,” he said.

The rodeo will welcome 10-year-old Oralee Madison and her aunt, Jessica Fowlkes, two trick riders who are popular on the rodeo circuit. The sheriff said the rodeo is again working with Kentucky-based Lone Star Rodeo Co., and should attract some of the biggest names in the rodeo world.

“I think we’ll have some people who compete in Las Vegas at the nationals,” Blakely said. “We’re looking forward to a good crop of cowboys and cowgirls.”

Returning again will be the special needs rodeo, which attracts as many as 400 special needs clients from the Tennessee Valley. Blakely acknowledged the event wouldn’t be possible without those who volunteer their time.

Lineup of events

• April 11: The last day applications will be accepted for the rodeo queen pageant for ages 3-15, no later than 5 p.m. Contestants must also be pre-registered to enter. Applications are available at the Sheriff’s Office, 101 W. Elm St., Athens;

• April 14: Judging of rodeo queen entrants ages 3-15 at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office and optional horsemanship for ages 3-15 at the 2S Arena on Thach Road;

• May 6: Application deadline for rodeo queen pageant candidates ages 16-26. Contestants must be pre-registered to enter;

• May 12: Rodeo parade held at 11 a.m. in downtown Athens. Lineup begins at the rodeo arena at 10 a.m.;

• May 14: Rodeo kickoff at Preston’s Western Wear in Athens at 5 p.m. Free activities and horseback rides for children;

• May 15: Street dance and western wear fashion show at 6 p.m. on the north side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square. Contestants should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.; fashion show begins at 7;

Rodeo days

May 18

• Special needs rodeo at 10 a.m. at the rodeo arena. Participants should register with Dawn Blakely at dawnblakely@live.com no later than April 16. The public is welcome to attend;

• Orientation for Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo contestants and Senior Miss Rodeo at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office at 4 p.m. A written test will be held following orientation. Interviews for pageant contestants held at 4:30. Contestants should arrive at the arena by 6:30 (transportation will be provided);

• Rodeo begins at 8 p.m.; and

• Winners for Little Queen pageant (ages 3-12) will be announced at intermission.

May 19

• Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo horsemanship and optional horsemanship for Senior Miss Rodeo begins at 8 a.m. at the arena, weather permitting;

• Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen pageant luncheon begin at noon at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor St., Athens. Contestants will model, answer impromptu questions and present a speech;

• Contestants should arrive at the arena at 6:30 p.m.;

• Rodeo begins at 8 p.m.; and

• The coronation of Junior Miss Rodeo, Senior Miss Rodeo and Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo will be announced at intermission.