It’s time for some riding, roping and wrangling when the Covington Cowgirls Drill Team hosts its 13th annual Alabama High School and Junior High Rodeo at the Covington Center Arena.The cowboys and cowgirls will be in town on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21.

The rodeo begins at 9 a.m. Saturday with the AJRA rodeo and continues Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. with the high school performance. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and weekend passes are available

“We have fliers around town and Saturday with one flier or one can of food, you get in for half price,” said Tricia Courson, Covington Cowgirl Drill Team member. “There is a limit of one half price admission per family.

“All the canned food is donated to St. Mary’s Rice and Bean Ministry, which provides food each month to anyone who is in need.”
On Sunday, the day begins with cowboy church followed by slack beginning at 9 a.m.

“On Sunday, bring your church bulletin or a flier and get in half price,” Courson said. “Again, one per family.”

The final performance for the high school participants begins at 1 a.m. on Sunday.

“All weekend performances are a full rodeo with bucking events, barrels, pole bending, goat tying, roping and steer wrestling,” Courson said. “It is great to see these young cowboys and cowgirls competing and having fun in all of these rodeo events.”
Each year the rodeo draws competitors from as far as North Alabama and from Northwest Florida. This year there is are special appearance by Ms. Rodeo Alabama 2014 Chelsea Maness.

“We always have a great group of kids competiting,” Courson said. “We especially encourage everyone to come out and support our local cowboys and cowgirls.”

The rodeo is an annual fund raiser for the drill team with the proceeds going to a number of worthwhile causes.

“The money funds a high school scholarship that is awarded yearly,” Courson said. “We also contribute to community organizations.”

Since the rodeo began, the drill team has donated more than $52,000 to the community. In addition to the rodeo, the group raises money for special needs students and St. Jude’s Hospital with its annual trail rides.

“The rodeo is something the whole family can enjoy because it is a lot of fun,” Courson said. “We are excited about having a great rodeo and look forward to everyone coming out to enjoy it with us. The community support we received over the last 13 years has been amazing and I know that will continue this year.”

For more information about the rodeo or to purchase tickets, contact Tricia Courson at 334-208-2106 or email covingtoncowgirls@yahoo.com. Visit the drill team online at covingtoncowgirls.com.