Shady Dale Rodeo Is Success

The Shady Dale Rodeo entertained large crowds Friday and Saturday night. The crowd enjoyed watching bull riding (top left photo), and a specialty act of Roman riding (top right). Lots of children tried to take the ribbon from the calf’s tail during the calf scramble, and it was a muddy job Friday night.

Calf roping shows the dexterity of the cowboy both in grabbing the calf’s feet with the rope (photo below calf scramble), then securing the calf (bottom left photo). Proceeds from the annual rodeo benefit Masonic charities, including many children’s charities such as the Shriner’s burn hospital, as well as local college scholarships.

Jasper Lodge No. 50 in Monticello and Walton Lodge No. 200 in Shady Dale organized the event, set up and cleaned up. The Farm Bureau women operated a sweet booth (bottom right photo), and this year added nearly $1,100 to the proceeds from the rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls come from all around to compete in Shady Dale which may be the largest outdoor rodeo east of the Mississippi, said Wes Chester, one of the organizers.

The Shady Dale Community Club sponsored a Rodeo Round-Up Festival and parade on Saturday, featuaring specialty vendors and activities for everyone.