Deep South PRCA Rodeo: Where Cowboy Spirit and Community Unite
Dust off your boots and get ready to experience the thrill of the Deep South PRCA Rodeo, where cowboy spirit and community pride converge for an unforgettable weekend.
This annual event, held in the heart of Franklin Parish, is more than just a showcase of rodeo skills; it's a celebration of the resilient and generous nature of the local community.
It brings together local volunteers, sponsors, and rodeo enthusiasts for a weekend of excitement, entertainment, and giving back to the community.
The People Behind Deep South PRCA Rodeo
Deep South PRCA Rodeo is a must-attend event, offering heart-pounding action and showcasing the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the region.
But what sets this rodeo apart is the dedication and passion of the people behind the scenes – the committee members, volunteers, and sponsors who work tirelessly to make the event a success year after year.
The Rodeo Committee: Dedication and Passion
At the heart of Deep South PRCA Rodeo is a dedicated committee of 32 members, led by President Brian Wilson.
The committee, which includes a VP, Secretary, and Chaplin, meets monthly throughout the year and weekly leading up to the rodeo weekend.
Butch Robinson, an original founding member of the rodeo, still serves on the committee, a testament to the longevity and passion of those involved.
Planning for the next year's rodeo begins the Sunday after the current rodeo ends, demonstrating the committee's unwavering commitment to the event.
Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo wouldn't be possible without the tireless efforts of over 100 local volunteers.
From the Lions Club handling tickets to committee members' families helping with various tasks and local churches providing concessions for the past 40 years, the volunteers are the backbone of the rodeo.
Sponsors: A Symbiotic Relationship
The rodeo is supported by 64 sponsors, whose contributions help keep the event returning year after year.
In return, the rodeo provides excellent advertising opportunities for the sponsors, creating a true partnership.
Nearly all sponsors come back year after year, recognizing the value of being associated with the largest social event in Franklin Parish.
Giving Back to the Community
Deep South PRCA Rodeo is not just about entertainment; it's also about giving back to the community.
Rodeo Queen
The rodeo provides scholarships for Franklin Parish seniors and the Rodeo Queen, honors community members and former committee members who have passed away, and supports various charitable causes.
Special themed nights, such as Bellbottom Country Night, Military Appreciation Night, and Tough Enough to Wear Pink Cancer Awareness Night, add an extra layer of meaning and purpose to the event.
The rodeo has also contributed to community projects, such as funding and building a bridge for local boy scouts.
A Cowboy's Perspective
Buckshot Sims, a proud PRCA Gold Card holder and rodeo committee member since 1999, shares his insights on what makes the Deep South PRCA Rodeo special.
'Just being a cowboy. That’s all I ever wanted to be. Everybody needs to be a cowboy, the world would be a better place if we had more of them. I love watching good horses buck and Pete Carr, our stock contractor, has plenty.' - Buckshot Sims
For Sims, it's all about being a cowboy and watching good horses buck. He believes that the world would be a better place with more cowboys and that the people you rodeo with become your family.
Sims handles the business side of the rodeo, including sponsor coordination, and encourages anyone interested in getting involved to give him a call.
Sims’s grandfather helped found the Deep South Rodeo.
Sims says, “As a kid, I wanted to rodeo. I grew up around it. Cowboys were my heroes. I borrowed equipment and followed in their footsteps.”
Conclusion
The Deep South PRCA Rodeo is more than just an event; it's a celebration of the cowboy lifestyle, community spirit, and the power of coming together for a common cause.
Whether you're a rodeo fan, a local looking to give back, or simply looking for a weekend of excitement and entertainment, the Deep South PRCA Rodeo has something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind event and become part of the rodeo family.