NATCHEZ — When Isaac King had the vision to bring people together in Adams County and the Miss-Lou, he created the Justa Cowboy Association — an organization dedicated to promoting the sport of rodeo and highlighting the lifestyle of a cowboy.

Now more than 12 years later, King is expanding on his desire to help by giving back to his community.

Beginning this Friday and running through Saturday, the Justa Cowboy Association will host its 12th Annual Miss-Lou Richest Goat Roping event, and King is asking those who attend to bring gallon-sized cans of vegetables to the venue at the Adams County Equestrian Center.

King plans to donate the cans to the Natchez Stewpot after the event, and those who donate will receive a ticket for a $100 cash prize drawing.

“I always do something every year to give back to the community, but every day I ride by the Stewpot on my way to work,” King said. “I always said I would donate money, and I started thinking about how many people come to the rodeo. I thought it would be an easy thing to do.

“It makes me feel great because I think it’s good to help, it’s good to give. Everybody can’t go have a steak dinner. Helping people is what it’s all about.”

Besides the chance at winning the drawing, King said there are plenty of other reasons for people to come out to this weekend’s rodeo.

The main event — Saturday’s goat roping — will feature an average of 100 ropers, and fans will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite cowboys. King said by the time the bids added up, last year’s winner took home close to $10,000.

“You can sit in the stands and win money just like that. It’s a lot of money,” King said. “People come out in groups to pool all their money together. I saw a guy sell for $600 last year.”

Bidding starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, and the goat roping will be followed by calf roping, open break away roping, junior roping and team roping. Friday’s lineup — starting at 7 p.m. — will feature a warm up goat roping event, team roping, calf roping, open break away roping and a 40-and-older goat roping.

Other events, King said, will include free food on Friday and a children’s bike giveaway on Saturday.

Admission is $7 per person.

“This is a good family oriented event,” King said. “It’s just something fun to do where you can bring the kids.”

For those who participate in the events, King believes in the importance of staying true to the organization of a rodeo, hoping fans get as much joy out of the event as possible.

King said over the years, and average of 200 total participants must sport western attire to compete.

Besides local competitors from the area, King said some come from as far as Texas and Arkansas.

“We showcase them as cowboys. When people come out, they expect to see the long sleeve shirt, the cowboy hat, the boots,” King said. “You don’t expect to see tennis shoes and cut off shorts.”

The Adams County Equestrian Center is located at 34 Muddy Fork Road in Natchez.