Bull-riding, steer-riding and saddle bronc-riding are a few of the events scheduled for the Old Frontier Pro Rodeo June 11-12 in Thomson.
“It’s a sanctioned circuit event,” said Chris Smith, president of The Old Frontier, a Thomson, Ga.-based organization providing youth outdoor educational activities and therapeutic programs for those with special needs, as well as veterans.
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The International Professional Rodeo Association is the sanctioning body for the rodeo, which will draw competitors who are trying to earn points in a quest to be the top in the sport. The championships are tentatively scheduled for January 2022 in Oklahoma.
The rodeo will feature eight different events, and the rodeo clowns will be in the arena.
Additional activities outside the arena include a children’s fun zone with face-painting, pony rides and inflatables. A variety of food will be available such as barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, kettle corn and boiled peanuts.
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Vendors will be on site as well.
Smith said coolers and pets are not allowed. Service animals are welcome.
Thomson-native Pat Cooper, a “local rising star,” according to Smith, will be in concert at 6 p.m. each night prior to the rodeo.
A country singer-songwriter, Cooper now lives in Nashville. He “co-wrote the title track to Luke Combs’ debut album ‘This One’s For You.’ Pat has shared the stage with the likes of Luke Combs, Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Big & Rich, Parmalee and Michael Ray and Tyler Farr! Cooper recently released his latest single ‘Around It’ in October 2020 and is planning on releasing new music,” according to his biography at the ABE Agency’s website.
The rodeo will raise money for a couple of projects, such as a new climate-controlled barn.
Smith said the therapeutic aspect of the program hasn’t been in place for a few years, but he plans to bring back equine therapy to help veterans and children with special needs.
The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights with gates opening at 5 p.m. at The Old Frontier, 1965 Old Milledgeville Rd.
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Tickets are $15 for those 13 years of age and older and $8 for children 6-12. At the gate, tickets will be $18 for adults and $12 for children. Children age five and younger are admitted free.
Advance tickets are available at Smith Farm Supply, Grovetown Farm and Garden Center, McDuffie Feed and Seed and Premier Outdoor Products.
For more information, visit theoldfrontier.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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