So many people have been flocking to the Jefferson County Rodeo in recent years that organizers are trying to figure out where they can accommodate more spectators, said event chairman Doug Goforth of the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, which sponsored the event.
The 52nd annual rodeo, held June 9-10, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro, was no exception, drawing record-breaking crowds, Goforth said.
“The weather was awesome,” he said. “We had record crowds both nights. We had in excess of 5,000 people Friday night (June 9) and we’re pretty sure we had close to 8,000 Saturday night (June 10). “We starting to push the capacity of the facilities. We’re planning to add seating.”
The rodeo, staged by Wooten Rodeo Co., included bull riding, barrel racing, roping and other entertainment.
Goforth said prize money for rodeo winners increased this year by $18,000, up from $13,500 last year, which helped pull in more rodeo competitors than usual.
“We increased the prize money and had 162 competitors,” he said. “We’d have 140 in an average year in the past.”
He said the Civic Club has also made improvement to the rodeo area surface, which the competitors praised.
“The arena dirt was perfect,” he said. “We had done some work to the facilities and got compliments from the competitors.”
Attendees enjoyed the riders and ropers, as well as other performers, Goforth said.
“Our clowns, Kyle Laman and Tyler Pettigrew, did not disappoint,” he said. “We also had a guest performer, 17-year-old Lucas Maynard. He’s a person with autism who does rope tricks. He’s very talented. He’s friends with both clowns. He’s trying to get started in the business, and he also wants to raise awareness for autism.”
Goforth said one rodeo-related injury occurred.
“One bull rider was taken to the hospital – he was treated and released,” he said. “And, one of the workers – a bull fighter who helps protect the riders – was rolled around the arena by a bull. (The bull fighter) Randy Miller was unhurt.”
The event also included live music and children’s activities.
Shannon Cox and the Black Diamond Band performed June 9, and the Jonathan Braddy Band played June 10.
Goforth said Wooten presented the Jefferson County Rodeo with a 50-year IPRA (International Professional Rodeo) award plaque during the event.
“That was awarded back in February,” he said. “Wooten presented it to us during the rodeo.”
He said the 2024 Jefferson County Rodeo is scheduled for June 8-9.