The annual Jefferson County Rodeo is barreling back into Hillsboro next weekend. The 52nd annual Jefferson County rodeo is set for Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21.
“We put on a western style rodeo,” event chairman Doug Goforth said.
Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. both nights.
Goforth said the rodeo itself will feature bull riding, barrel racing, roping and more. A pair of rodeo clowns – Kyle Lamon and Tyler Pettigrew – will be on hand to keep fans entertained.
“(Lamon) is doing a fan-of-the-night belt buckle giveaway, and from the (Hillsboro Community Civic Club) side of things, we’ve been utilizing some more giveaways with a T-shirt cannon and doing different giveaways,” Goforth said. “We’re hoping to integrate that in with their acts and such, so we can bring a little bit more crowd experience into things.”
Admission is free for those age 8 and younger. For those aged 9-15, tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For those 16 and older, tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the gate.
In addition to the rodeo, the event will include children’s activities from 5-7 p.m. on June 10, including a cutest cowboy and cowgirl contest for ages 8 and younger at 6 p.m.
Food trucks and other vendors will be set up throughout the fairgrounds, as will a mechanical bull for riding, Goforth said.
Shannon Cox and the Black Diamond Band will perform from 9:30 p.m. June 9 to 1 a.m. June 10, and the Johnathan Braddy Band will play from 9:30 p.m. June 10 to 1 a.m. June 11.
“Both are good, solid country-type artists,” Goforth said. “It’s good, clean, safe entertainment.”
Wooten rodeo will again be the rodeo-stock contractor at the Jefferson County event, and Pettus Automotive is the main event sponsor. St. Louis Diesel sponsors the arena where the rodeo will take place.
Goforth said this year’s rodeo comes on the heels of the International Professional Rodeo Association being bought out by Rodeo Logistics in January, a move that could shape the competition level at the rodeo for years to come.
He said Rodeo Logistics offers a larger prize pool and attracts higher-level riders who have their sights set on national competitions.
Goforth said prize money for this year’s Jefferson County event has increased from $13,500 last year to $18,000.
That number, alongside the prize money at the national competition in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in January, is expected to increase year after year, he said.
“I think over the years we’re going to see the competition and the quality of the cowboy, and the number of entrants continue to grow,” Goforth said. “You’re going to see a fuller show with more top-level cowboys.”
Advance tickets are available for purchase until noon June 8 at several locations, including all Jefferson County Enterprise Bank locations, Leader Publications, Chuck’s Boots, the Hillsboro Community Civic Club (from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday) and online at jeffersoncountyfair.net.
For more information, visit the Jefferson County Rodeo Facebook page or see the website at jeffersoncountyfair.net.