By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The rodeo will be back in town this weekend and organizers hope to corral as many locals to the event as they can.

The seventh-annual Adams County Sheriff’s Office Rodeo will begin with opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, gates will open at 4:30 p.m. at the Wayne Johnson Arena on Foster Mound Road. The rodeo events will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children. Children under 8 years old are admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Sponsor coordinator Karren Ewing said there are a variety of activities for children, from pony rides and a climbing wall to a bicycle giveaway.

“There’s always plenty for the kids to do, that’s why we open the gates early,” Ewing said. 

Activities for adults will include a rooster catch, with the first to catch a rooster receiving $10 and a diamond hunt for ladies, an event wherein a diamond is hidden somewhere in the arena and the women who participate have to look for it.

“It’s a popular event,” Ewing said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

A freestyle bull fighting competition will also be available to watch, featuring Mexican fighting bulls.

“These guys are timed out in the arena as to how long they can stay out there and all they have for protection are the barrels,” Ewing said. 

The rodeo will also feature the Dixie Stampede, led by Dusty Cane from Pigeon Forge, Tenn., a group of trick horse riders who perform stunts such as jumping through flames.

Ewing said it is one of the largest rodeos in the state, in connection with TNT Rodeo Association.

Ewing said the event attracts people from out of town, which benefits Natchez and local businesses.

“It’s great for Natchez to have this many people, usually we have 4,000 to 5,000 people come,” Ewing said.

Money raised at the rodeo will go toward purchasing equipment for deputies.