Plenty of rodeo action is expected to hit the dirt in May when the annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo returns to the city of Athens. Now in its 43rd year, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 16-17, and along with two days of high impact rodeo competition, organizers look to engage the community by offering several family-friendly events in the week leading up to the rodeo.

Rodeo week kicks off at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13, with the Cast Products, Inc. street dance on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse Square and live music. In addition to dancing and music, restaurants and merchants around the downtown area will be open for business. 

Slack competition for team roping contestants and contestant overflow will take place at the arena located on Alabama Highway 99 on Thursday, May 15. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Admission is $5. 

The annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo will take place Friday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena. This rodeo is specifically for community individuals with special needs. Participants are expected to attend from the entire north Alabama region.

The main events of the rodeo are scheduled to take place May 16 and 17. Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights with competition starting at 8 p.m. Competitive events lined up for both nights include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding. As cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money, the crowd is also entertained with professional rodeo clowns including International Professional Rodeo Association Barrelman Mighty Mike Wentworth in action and specialty acts, chuckwagon races and other performers.  

Daily ticket prices for adults are $15 in advance by May 1, or $20 at the gate, and children 4 to 12 years old are $8 in advance by May 1, or $12 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Limestone County Sheriff’s office and online, convenience fee charged, at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com.

The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is produced by the Lone Star Rodeo Company and is held at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, located on Alabama Highway 99 west of Athens. All proceeds are used to purchase equipment for the Limestone County sheriff’s office. Call 256.232.0111 or visit www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com for more information.