LUDOWICI — The gates of Dawson Farms will swing open to welcome the livestock and riders of T-T Rodeo.

The first Dawson Farms Rodeo will be held at the Long County venue October 27-28. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night, and gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The renowned rodeo, based out of Waycross, was recently in Live Oak, Fla.

“It is a professional rodeo,” said Dawson Farms owner Julie Dawson. “We wanted to bring something to the community for fun. Who doesn’t love a rodeo?”

Dawson’s hay provider put her in touch with the rodeo, and the rodeo owner has wanted to be in this area, she said.

“We’ve been working with him since the first part of the year,” Dawson said.

T-T Rodeo even brings in the bleachers for fans, along with the arena and the bucking chutes and the livestock.

“He brings it all in and sets it all up,” Dawson said.

The T-T (pronounced “T-bar-T”) Rodeo is sanctioned by both the Professional Cowboy Association and the International Pro Rodeo Association. The rodeo will have the gamut of competitions — from team roping to bareback riding to barrel racing to calf roping to steer wrestling to saddle bronc riding to bull riding.

Among the events are a kids’ costume contest and a calf scramble on both nights. There also will be a diamond dash, where 10 women will be called into the arena and go after envelopes. In one of the envelopes is a slip that says “diamond,” and the lucky one has to return the slip back to the rodeo clown.

For the adventurous crowd members, there will be a mechanical bull to ride and axe throwing.

Food vendors and food trucks will be on site, Dawson added. United Distributors is a gold level sponsor and they are trying to get beer sales arranged for the event. Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is sponsoring the rodeo clowns.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate, along with a VIP option for $30. A QR code on the flyer takes the public to online ticket sales and to directions to Dawson Farms. Tickets are available at Dawson’s General Store.

“We have plenty of parking,” Dawson said.

The Dawson Farms owner also said there are plans in the works for more features at their place.

“Our hopes are to have more events,” she said.

For more information on the rodeo, visit https:// dawsonfarmsludowici. com/annual-rodeo.