The annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is still a month away, but those who plan to attend one of North Alabama’s top tourism events are encouraged to buy their tickets early.

Tickets for the 37th annual rodeo, set for Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/2InLSiM. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children for each night. Tickets at the gate are $17 for adults and $12 for children.

Considered the largest outdoor rodeo east of the Mississippi, it’s also commonly known as “The Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Sheriff Mike Blakely said Limestone Countians who are familiar with the annual event can expect to see the same caliber of talent as in previous years. The rodeo will again be produced by the Lone Star Rodeo Co. and sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association.

Top winners in the categories of bareback riding and saddle bronc riding will take home $3,500. Calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding winners will receive $2,200.

The featured entertainment this year is Amanda Payne, daughter of long-time rodeo entertainer John Payne, who is better known as “The One Arm Bandit.” Blakely said the act is one of the most in-demand on the rodeo circuit.

“It’s been one of the most spectacular specialty acts in the sport of rodeo,” he said. “She does the same act her dad does.”

The act involves herding buffalo, wild horses or long-horned cattle up a ramp to the top of a gooseneck trailer. One Arm Bandit & Company has been awarded the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Specialty Act of the Year award 12 times. More about the act can be found at theonearmbandit.net.

When asked about other new features this year, the sheriff jokingly said his prediction of “no rain.” He acknowledged the last few years have experienced weather-related challenges, but said he hopes this year will be different.

“It goes through cycles,” he said. “We’ve had one night where it was just a mud hole out there. Some years it’s been so dusty that we could’ve used a little rain.”

Parade

Those who don’t plan to attend the rodeo are still invited to participate in several rodeo-themed events.

The event is traditionally kicked off with the annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo parade, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Lineup will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama 99. There is no entry fee for those who want to participate.

This year’s grand marshal will be Stanley McNatt, who retired as chief investigator in 2016. Blakely said he had a great admiration for McNatt and his wife, Alice, who helped with several Sheriff’s Office events over the years, including the rodeo.

“He was somebody everybody at the Sheriff’s Office had a lot of respect for,” Blakely said of Stanley. “Not only was he a really good employee, but he was a good investigator. He was well-respected because he was a person of impeccable character, and he was our chaplain for 20 years. … He was the kind of person you could depend on because he would go above and beyond to treat our citizens right.”

Kids day

Preston’s Western Wear will host a Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Kids Day at 5 p.m. Monday, May 13, at its store on U.S. 72 in Athens. Events will include horseback rides and other events. Admission is free. More information: 256-232-0111.

Rodeo street dance and fashion show

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo street dance and fashion show will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse. Live music will be provided by Jeff Whitlow Country. Fashion show begins at 7. Admission is free.

Rodeo slack competition

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo will host the slack competition at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Arena on Alabama 99. Gates open at 8 a.m.; admission is $5.

Special Needs Rodeo

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Special Needs Rodeo begins at 10 a.m. Friday, May 17, at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena. Blakely said more than 400 special-needs clients had participated over the last severals years.

“It’s something that’s moved lives in a positive way,” he said.

Those interested in participating should contact Dawn Blakely at 256-278-0720.

Sheriff’s Rodeo

The 37th annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo is Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama 99. Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights and events start at 8.

“This past year, we were one of the top five rodeos, and that’s voted on by the contestants so it makes you feel good,” Blakely said. “We try to make (contestants) feel good, like they’re at home.”

In addition to the website, tickets can be purchased at the Sheriff’s Office at 101 W. Elm St. in Athens, at Preston’s Western Wear at 1703 U.S. 72 East in Athens, or online at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com. For more information, call 256-232-0111.