Rodeo rounds up new location
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After eight years in Dunlap, the abused and neglected children in the court system fundraising rodeo is moving to Jasper. Many people are disappointed in the announcement though organizers look to see continued support 20 miles down the road, May 29-30.
The rodeo, drawing thousands of local residents and visitors from outside the area, has taken place the last five years at Coops Creek Commons in Dunlap, also the host of the BTC Fiber Valley Fest. For years prior, it was held at the Sequatchie County Fairgrounds off Heard Street.
CASA of the Sequatchie Valley Executive Director Margie Clemmer said she was informed of the decision made by the Valley Fest, Inc. Board on January 22.
“This wasn’t a decision by our County Executive, Keith Cartwright, or the County Commission,” Clemmer explained. “The next day after I was told about this, Mr. Cartwright went with me looking at sites we could possibly use to keep the rodeo in Dunlap.
Clemmer explained the fairgrounds site was not large enough to hold the event, which has grown greatly the last several years. Another possible site examined was the John Griswold Recreation Park, but its size was also limited.
“We decided on Jasper, across from the ball park and in front of the elementary school,” she said. “We serve a four-county area, with Sequatchie, Grundy, Bledsoe, and Marion counties. This site is 495 Warrior Drive. We’ll continue to have bleachers, food and merchandise areas, and we’ll have more seating.”
Last year, approximately 6,500 spectators attended over Friday and Saturday night, with about $70,000 raised through attendance and sponsor donations. Outlaw Rodeo includes bull and bronco riding, calf roping, and more events, plus activities for kids all in an energetic atmosphere.
“We want to invite everyone to have a fun night and support the kids helped by CASA of the Sequatchie Valley,” Clemmer added.
Valley Fest, Inc. board member Winston Pickett said a vote was taken and grounds issues were a concern.
“We just decided the rodeo needed to go somewhere else,” Pickett said. “The rodeo kept making a mess of the grounds and seed wasn’t put down after. We still have a lot of rocks and things to pick up there. This was a business decision made by our Board of Directors,” he said. “We’re required to have a Board of Directors since we’re a non-profit, 501(c)3.” BTC Fiber Valley Fest is coming up May 2-3, with music acts Great White and The Creeks announced. Other events taking place at the site last year included Days of Yesteryear, and a VW automobile show.
