Rain or shine, the Blairsville Pro Rodeo will return for its 14th year this Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, for two evenings of traditional American family fun at the Union County Horse Arena, courtesy of the Union County Saddle Club.
This event has come a long way since its humble beginnings when three Saddle Club members collaborated with the Blue Ridge Rodeo to start up “some clean, family-oriented entertainment.”
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“I feel that rodeos are so popular around here because there are a lot of horse people and it is clean entertainment for the family,” said Kayla Murphy, Union County Saddle Club Secretary & Blairsville Pro Rodeo Committee Chair.
The rodeo is iconic in America, and mountain residents don’t have to head out West to see some truly awe-inspiring performances. Cowboys and cowgirls, Murphy said, train for years to perfect their stunts, often starting as soon as they’re big enough to sit in the saddle or throw a rope.
This year’s action includes the ever-popular bull riding along with bareback bronco riding, saddleback riding, ranch riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and break-away roping. Contenders are sourced from all over the Southeast.
New to the lineup is trick riding courtesy of Emily Moss, which involves the rider performing daring feats on horseback. This includes everything from standing up in the saddle to the death drag, a stunt where the rider hangs sideways, head perilously close to the ground and hooves.
“We try to always change up a few things from year to year,” Murphy explained, adding that there will also be a new rodeo clown to entertain the masses.
Both nights will open with a tribute to armed forces, police officers and first responders, and there are other special events added to this year’s lineup. Guests can enter a free raffle to win $5,000 in cash or one of two pairs of Durango brand boots.
“Rodeos have been around for decades. It reminds people of how we all started, when things were ‘simpler,’” Murphy said of the time-honored tradition. “The cowboys and cowgirls keep that alive.”
Speaking of which, there will be chances to get little guys and gals roped into finding the culture interesting. Along with a mechanical bull and bounce house, they can try their hands at the calf scramble inside the arena or just take a relaxing pony ride.
And it’s important to remember that the rodeo isn’t just about keeping culture alive and offering fun for the whole family; it also supports the community.
Murphy said that some of the proceeds go toward scholarships for graduating local seniors, and the rodeo partners with the Blairsville Police Department for the annual Shop With a Cop Christmas Program for kids.
The gates open at 6 p.m., with the action officially starting at 8 p.m. both nights.
Advance ticket prices are $17 for adults and $7 for children aged 6 through 12. Those interested in advance admission can head over to the American Cowboy Store, Murphy Farms Pet Care, Bill Potts Insurance and Nelson Tractor in Blairsville.
At the gate, folks can pay $20 for adult tickets and $10 for kids. Either way, children 5 and under get in for free at the arena, which is located at 73 Saddle Club Drive in Blairsville, near the intersection of SR 515 and SR 325.
The International Pro Rodeo Association-sanctioned Blairsville Pro Rodeo is produced by Circle N Rodeo Productions, with the Hedrick Rodeo Company serving as stock contractor.
For more information, visit https://www.unioncountysaddleclub.com/blairsvilleprorodeo.
