For the 14th year, the Covington Cowgirls Drill Team is hosting its annual Alabama High School and Junior High Rodeo. The fun begins on Sat., Sept. 19, at the Covington Center Arena and runs through Sun., Sept. 20.

The first event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with the AJRA rodeo and continues at 3 p.m. with AHSRA slack. Then on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., the high school rodeo begins. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and weekend passes are available

“We are excited to bring this great event to the county,” said Tricia Courson, Covington Cowgirl Drill Team member. “We have fliers placed around town and Saturday with one flier, you get in for half price. There is a limit of one half price admission per family.”
On Sunday, the day begins with cowboy church at 8 a.m. followed by AHSRA slack beginning at 9:30 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 with the AHSRA rodeo.

“All weekend performances are a full rodeo with bucking events, barrels, pole bending, goat tying, roping and steer wrestling,” Courson said. “The competition is fun for these young cowboys and cowgirls and for everyone attending the rodeo.”
Each year the rodeo draws competitors from as far as North Alabama and from Northwest Florida. Drill team members expect another good turnout this year.

“We always have kids from all over the place competiting,” Courson said. “We especially encourage everyone to attend and support our local cowboys and cowgirls.”

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

“The money helps to fund a high school scholarship that is awarded yearly,” Courson said. “We also donate money to several community organizations.”

Since the rodeo began 14 years ago, 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 a family event that everyone will enjoy,” Courson said. “We are excited about our 14th rodeo and look forward to seeing everyone. The community support we receive is amazing and I know it will be the same 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.