West Limestone students visit the petting zoo at the Sheriff's Rodeo Arena. From left are Isaiah Brooks, Rylan Stanley, Abbie Davis and Bailee Corum.  

Piney Chapel Elementary student Corey Stanley stood Friday under the face-painting tent at the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, trying to decide what picture he wanted on his cheek.

When he couldn’t find just the right one, he drew his own on a paper plate. Stanley wanted a green dinosaur.

Stanley was one of about 400 kids who took part in the annual Special Needs Rodeo, which is now in its 15^th year. The event was started by a previous rodeo queen who was passionate about helping those with special needs.

“So many people were moved and it had such an impact on everyone — not just the kids, but everyone in the community — that the sheriff decided to do it every year,” said Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Stephen Young.

For one day, special needs students from all over the county get to pretend they’re a farmer by riding a tractor or a genuine cowboy or cowgirl after mounting a horse.

Most students have a favorite activity they visit a few times. Tanner High School students Antonio Hermisillo and Chad Thompson most enjoyed riding the train around the arena. Their teacher Tay Galloway said his students have been counting down the days until the rodeo.

“They’ve been talking about it all week,” he said. “This is like Christmas for them.”

Johnson Elementary student Braiden Brewer couldn’t pick just one favorite activity. He said his favorite part of the day was everything, but he was looking forward to lunch.

Brewer’s mother, Kristen Brewer, likes watching her son participate in the different activities.

“I think it’s great because he doesn’t get to do a lot of other things, so for this (event) to be for them, it’s wonderful,” she said.

While visiting two pigs at the petting zoo, West Limestone student Isaiah Brooks said he had fun riding on the tractor and pretending to be a cowboy.

Young said the Special Needs Rodeo is the best part of the rodeo weekend for him and other sheriff’s office personnel.

“It’s hard not to be moved to tears sometimes by the joy of these kids who come out here,” he said.