Silver Hill Rodeo leads to change of topic from outdoors

Normally I will write about fishing, hiking, chili and other outdoor activities, but there is a fun event this weekend that can be enjoyed by folks of all ages without having to own any special equipment.

The 37th Silver Hill Rodeo will be Friday and Saturday at the arena just a couple miles down Little Texas Valley Road off of U.S. 27. Pre-rodeo entertainment begins each night at 7 p.m., and the rodeo starts at 8:30 p.m.

The Silver Hill Rodeo has a reputation for being an award winning event and has received the “Top Outdoor Rodeo” for its outstanding rodeo presentations and productions. Folks from all of North Georgia as well as Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina plan well in advance to attend the rodeo because it has many professional competitors.

Contestants in the Professional Cowboys Association often travel hundreds of miles hoping that their rides will qualify them for the organization’s finals, which will be held in Biloxi, Mississippi, in January.

The rodeo is a thrill-a-minute extravaganza that starts with the Grand Entry Parade and ends with America’s most dangerous sporting event, bull riding. Events cover almost every aspect of rodeo competition including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, break-away and calf roping, team roping and barrel racing. To each event, Silver Hill Rodeo has added $500.00 in prize money with total prize money expected to be over the $12,000 mark.

I have been to the Silver Hill Rodeo several times and it is not just a rodeo, it has something for everyone regardless of age. You can ride in a western style wagon pulled by mules or let the kids ride ponies. There will be a mechanical bull that can be adjusted for kids and ladies to ride or revved up to challenge even the toughest bull riding cowboys.

There is even a rock wall for those wanting to try their climbing skills and a moonwalk for kids under 10.

The rodeo will have a lot of vendors that offer souvenirs as well as tack for your horses, hats, boots, toys, T-shirts and a variety of clothes and jewelry for the rodeo fans. Concessions will be furnished by the Trion High School 50-Yard Club. They will have hot boiled peanuts, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, hot dogs and hamburgers, and their specialty, grilled steak sandwiches.

This is a chance to bring the family out for some fresh air, fun and excitement, so mark your calendar and come on down. The location is easy to find. From Rome, travel north on U.S. 27 to the stoplight at Scenic Road and turn left.

Admission is $10 for kids 3-11 and $15 for adults. Parking is free. A big sign will mark the turn off of the highway onto Scenic Road. The rodeo will be held rain or shine.

For more information on the rodeo call 706-506-1563.