Dawson Farms’ gates will be opening to the cowboys, cowgirls and the crowds for its second annual rodeo next weekend.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. each night on September 27 and 28, and the action starts at 7:30 p.m.
Cowboys are coming from Kentucky, and even from Guatemala, to take part, Julie Dawson, of Dawson Farms, said.
“This is one of their big ones,” Dawson said of the rodeo tour stop. “It is going to be pretty big. Last year, it was great. We had a great turnout. This year, I think it is going to be bigger and better.”
The cowboys and cowgirls will see if they can stay on the bull until the bell rings at eight seconds.
“You’ll get some eight-second rides,” Dawson added. “You’ll get the best of the best.”
Food trucks will be on hand, and there will be a mechanical bull for those wishing to see if they can stay on top for more than eight seconds.
For the kids, there will be a play area with bounce houses and a petting zoo.
Colt 45, the rodeo clown, also will be on hand for the kids.
“There is a lot of interaction with the kids,” Dawson said. “He’s really good.”
And the kids can get in on the action, too — there will be a “mutton busting” ride, as the kids will ride sheep before the rodeo cowboys get in the ring, and the top 10 will return for another ride during intermission.
A special VIP package includes a meet-and-greet with the cowboys and cowgirls, who also will be making an appearance in the community before the rodeo starts.
Sponsors include Coca Cola, RTS Homes and Coldwell Banker Southern Coast. Coors Banquet Beer is the main sponsor, and the Dawsons’ ventures, such as Bootleggers, Dawson’s General Store, American Fence and Dawson Farms are the presenting sponsors.
Dawson said the venue wants to add a rodeo in the spring to go along with their fall event.
Last year’s event included a diamond dash and a boot giveaway, and another boot giveaway could be in the offing this year, Dawson said. For the diamond dash, participants had to find the right envelope with two pairs of diamond earrings and give it to the rodeo clown to claim the prize.
“That was fun,” Dawson said.
Presale tickets are $15 each and are $20 at the gate. Children 5 years old and under are admitted free.
For more information, visit dawsonfarms ludowici.com.