It’s rodeo time for high school and junior age cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the area.

On Sat., Sept. 18 and Sun., Sept. 19, the Covington Cowgirls Drill Team will host its ninth annual Alabama High School and Junior High Rodeo at the Covington Center Arena.

The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday with the junior division. Then Saturday night kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with the high school performance. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and admission for children age 5 younger is free.

“We will also have flyers around town, and with one flyer, you get one free child’s admission with an adult ticket,” said Tricia Courson, Covington Cowgirl Drill Team director. “There is a limit of one flyer per family.”

Flyers are available at Andalusia Farmers Co-Op, Opp Co-Op, Sun South, Stewart Brothers, Coldwell Banker, Cotton States in Opp and Touch of Country Western Shop.
On Sunday, slack starts at 9 a.m., with cowboy church to follow around 11 a.m.

“Cowboy Steve from Camp Victory is doing the service,” Courson said. “And that will be a great thing for all of those attending.”

The final performance for the high school participants begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

“All of the performances all weekend are a full rodeo featuring bucking events, barrels, pole bending, goat tying, roping and steer wrestling,” Courson said.

In addition to vendors, this year the drill team added a bounce house for children to enjoy during the rodeo.

“This is the first rodeo of the season for the kids and we usually have a big crowd because it is the first one,” Courson said. “They start the season here at the Covington Center and end their season back here in June.”
Rodeo competitors for this region come from as far as North Alabama and Marianna, Fla.

“This is a really big group of kids,” Courson said. “We invite everyone to come out and support our local cowboys and cowgirls.”

The annual rodeo is a fund raiser for the drill team and the proceeds go to a number of worthwhile causes.

“The money goes to a high school scholarship that is awarded yearly,” Courson said. “We also contribute to community organizations like Opportunity House, Community Christmas, Camp Victory riding program and families in need after disasters.”

The drill team also raises money for special needs students and St. Jude’s Hospital with its annual trail rides.

“The rodeo is wonderful family entertainment and just a lot of fun,” Courson said. “We look forward to seeing everyone and to a great weekend.”

For more information about the rodeo or to purchase tickets, contact Tricia Courson at 334-222-8079 or e-mail covingtoncowgirls@yahoo.com. Visit the drill team online at covingtoncowgirls.com.