LaFAYETTE — For the 22nd year the Chambers County Sheriff’s Rodeo will be held featuring a full slate of cowboys and cowgirls competing in a bevy of events.

Sheriff Sid Lockhart has said this year’s event will feature barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding and other events..

“This is in conjunction with the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association,” the sheriff said, noting there are so far over 200 cowboys and cowgirls signed up to compete over the course of two nights. “We’ll have so many this year.”

Participants will be competing for points and the
top performers will go to the finals.

Besides the rodeo itself, there will also be food vendors and a rock wall.

“Plenty of good, clean fun for the entire family,” Lockhart said. “Turnout to the rodeo is expected to be good, weather permitting.”

In 1996, Lockhart organized the rodeo to help purchase much needed equipment, such as bulletproof vests and Tasers, for his department that his budget would not allow.

The rodeo was extremely successful and immediately became an annual event.

However as the years went on, Lockhart said, the money went to fixing up the venue, seeing the addition of a concession stand, camper hookups and rest room stalls.

“It’s now one of the best open arenas in the southeast,” the sheriff said.

Nowadays with the venue fixed up
the money is back to going toward department equipment but Lockhart said they have nothing particular in mind for it.

The sheriff encourages all to come out and enjoy the rodeo. Gates open at 6 p.m.

“Come and get a good seat and have some food,” the sheriff said.

The event will be held Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, starting at 8 p.m. EDT each night at the Chambers County Agricultural Park, 1200 AL Hwy 77, LaFayette.