From the beginning till today the Franklin Rodeo has been in the business of giving back. For 64 years proceeds from the event have gone to benefit the community of Franklin and Williamson County. The grand total of donations from 1950 until to today is $2.4 million.
Executive Director Bill Fitzgerald shared some history of the rodeo with us. “In the early years, rodeo money helped pay for college scholarships to medical, dental and nursing schools, helping to bring native Franklinites back to town as professionals in the medical field when their studies were over. Monies also bought band uniforms and library books for the public school. In 1950, the Franklin Review Appeal printed, “Not only will the reader have the time of his life (at the rodeo), but he is assured that his sixty cents (admission) will be spent wisely – adequate uniforms for the FHS band.”
Last year’s charity recipients were: The Breast Health Center at Williamson Medical Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Franklin, academic and music arts programs at Williamson County high and middle schools, college scholarships, the rodeo team at the University of Tennessee at Martin, the J.L. Clay Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Williamson County 4-H Club. The work done by the Noon Rotary Club in hosting this event is life changing to our community.
The work to put this event on is all volunteer said Fitzgerald. “I estimate that thousands of hours, plus Rotarians’ skills and resources, are donated.” The Rotary motto is Service Above Self and Fitzgerald said, “When the rodeo is successful and we’re able to give back to the community, it makes the long hours worth it.” Plan to attend today and get your tickets online, or by calling (615) RODEO-11.
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