Rodeo Returns to Franklin in May

2016 Franklin Rodeo

In mid-May, there’s always a clatter of horses’ hooves as they gallop into Williamson County.

And this year is no different.

On May 19-20-21, the horses and bulls, cowboys and cowgirls will gather at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center for the 67th annual Franklin Rodeo.

Several hundred cowboys and cowgirls congregate to compete in seven pro-rodeo events, with prize money checks going to the winners.

But the real winners are local charities. The rodeo, produced by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, gives the proceeds to local charities. Two and half million dollars have been given back to area organizations in the last sixty-plus years, and a few of the recipients include Habitat for Humanity, CASA, the Williamson Medical Center, Music City Strings, Boys and Girls Club, Take the Reins, Friends of Franklin Parks, Williamson County 4-H, Williamson County High Schools, the Red Cross, the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association, and countless others.

It’s what keeps the Rotarians, who are all unpaid volunteers, going through some long work-days. “It’s a big job,” said Jamey Parker, 2016 President of the Noon Rotary Club, “but we have fun doing it, and we get to give back to those charities the rest of the year. That’s the fuel that keeps us going night after night, and year after year.”

Rodeo week in Franklin includes the rodeo parade on May 14 beginning at noon, the Franklin Rodeo Experience on May 18, with free admittance, the Rodeo Café, open prior to the rodeo on May 19-20-21, and the Rodeo Cantina Lounge, with adult beverages including Jack Daniels and Granite City brews.

Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, who is also a Noon Rotarian, estimates he has missed very few Franklin Rodeos since he moved to the community in 1980. As a Rotarian volunteer, his job is to help work the concession stands, and he says the rodeo has been a fan favorite and will continue to be. “It’s time-tested,” he said. “There’s a certain element in all of us, a little bit of frontier in us that looks back to remember the way our grandparents lived and worked.” The rodeo is a great reason to gather, too. “It’s a time to reflect and enjoy and see friends.”

The rodeo helps the community celebrate its agricultural background, before Franklin became a high-profile town. “It unites people from all points of our county, from Bethesda to Brentwood, from College Grove to Fairview,” Anderson said.

“You can’t go wrong with watching a good rodeo. The price is right. Enjoy a little cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, and a hot dog. And see the way it was 100 years ago.”

Tickets for the Franklin Rodeo are $20 for adults and $10 for children. All seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased online at FranklinRodeo.com or at the gate. For more information on the Franklin Rodeo, visit the website FranklinRodeo.com.

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