ATHENS – As the cattle cars pull into the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo started bucking today with the annual Exceptional Needs Rodeo.

Nearly 800 participants were expected to attend from the North Alabama region.

The rodeo’s main events are scheduled for today and tomorrow with the gates opening at 6 p.m.

Competitive events start both evenings at 8 o’clock and include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and bull riding.

As cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money, the crowd is also entertained with professional rodeo clowns including International Professional Rodeo Association Barrelman Mighty Mike Wentworth in action as well as specialty acts; chuckwagon races, and other performers.

The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is produced by the Lone Star Rodeo Company and is held at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena on Alabama 99 west of Athens.

All proceeds are used to purchase equipment for the Limestone County Sheriff’s office.

Grayson Carter & Son Contracting is sponsoring a $1,000 cash prize giveaway each night of the rodeo. You do not have to be present that night at the rodeo to win.

Daily ticket prices are adults $15 in advance and $17 at the gate; for children 12 years and under, tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate.

Click here to purchase tickets online.