The Blairsville Pro Rodeo began as a summer attraction more than a decade ago, only to become a beloved local tradition that draws thousands of visitors to Union County every year, most recently over the weekend of June 20-21.
“This year’s rodeo was one of the best,” said Union County Saddle Club Secretary and Rodeo Committee Chair Kayla Murphy. “A little over 2,500 people came through the gates to watch cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Southeast, including several from our local area.”
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Now in its 14th year, the event unites the community for two fast-paced nights filled with dust, excitement, and family-friendly entertainment at the Union County Saddle Club Arena.
The 2025 event began not with the roar of the crowd but with a somber tribute in memory of Gerald Patterson, a Saddle Club mainstay who passed away on June 14 following an extended illness. The rodeo commenced with a riderless horse led by his wife of 45 years, Beth Patterson.
With boots turned backward in the stirrups, the empty horse served as a heartfelt homage to the beloved local figure – a touching recognition of a man whose legacy will resonate within the Union County Saddle Club for generations.
As for the action itself, the rodeo showcased bronco riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, ladies’ breakaway roping and calf roping, both individually and in teams, concluding with ever-popular bull riding, sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and the National Cowboy Association.
The event saw local competitors from Blairsville and Blue Ridge; Hayesville and Murphy in North Carolina; and Turtletown, Tennessee.
Among the local contestants in barrel racing were Annabell Lillard, Reba Burke, Tallie Fortner, Lindsey Tincher, Alyssa McFarland, Karyn Woody, Hannah Allison, Emma Allison, Dea Kramer, Piper Tatro, Indiana Groom and Susan Anderson.
Mason Bohannon participated in bronco riding; Kenzie Bohannon took part in breakaway roping; and Garrett Davis and Micky Davis competed in team roping.
The rodeo provided an exciting opportunity for adult rodeo fans to throw their hats into the ring as well, particularly through the steer-dressing competition. In this event, three-person teams attempted to dress a steer in shorts, a shirt and a hat to the delight of audience members.
Additionally, there was a horseshoe toss with a chance to win $5,000 for throwing a “ringer,” and the rodeo included activities designed for kids such as a calf scramble, mechanical bull and more.
Presented by Beds Etc., Circle N Rodeo Productions Inc., Hedrick Rodeo Company and the Union County Saddle Club, the Blairsville Pro Rodeo provided fans with an opportunity to meet Addison Williams, Georgia’s Miss Teen Rodeo.
Furthermore, Hedrick Rodeo trick rider Emily Moss showcased a variety of crowd-pleasing stunts.
Concessions and vendors circled the outside of the arena, with food, drinks, entertainment and other goods provided by Circle R Western Store, Chick-fil-A, Chill & Fill, Heyman Kettle Corn, J&P Concessions, Jim’s Smokin’ Q, Nana & Pops Ice Cream, Party Harbor with the bounce house and mechanical bull, Peppermint Pony Rides, the Union County Saddle Club and the Union County Shriners with hot dogs.
“Our main sponsor, Beds Etc., was great and showcased top-notch Amish-made furniture,” Murphy said. “All of our sponsors are local to Blairsville and are always willing to support Union County Saddle Club as well as the Blairsville Pro Rodeo.”
A full list of sponsors is available at www.BlairsvilleProRodeo.com: “Without them, we couldn’t put on such a great event. Sponsor spots are available for 2026,” Murphy said.
