A real rodeo is coming to town soon, a professional event that draws champion competitors from around the world as well as locally, with some of the best award-winning stock and one of the funniest little clowns around.
Pork Chop the Clown will be back in Statesboro for the sixth annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo April 15-16, presented by Hedrick Rodeo Company, said Danny Hedrick, the company's owner.
Since the Statesboro Kiwanis Club started hosting the rodeo, the two-day event has kept the stands packed each night, said rodeo chairman Bill Anderson. Tickets are less expensive if purchased in advance at Anderson's General Store on Northside Drive East - $12 for adults and $7 for children (those younger than 6 are admitted free). At the gate, tickets will be $16 for adults and $11 for children 6 and older.
As in the past, Hedrick promised to bring new stock, including award-winning bulls and the horse known as 105 Willie, voted Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, and Curious George, the Bucking Horse of the Year. The Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association named Hedrick Rodeo Company the 2015 Stock Contractor of the Year, he said.
His wife, Jessica, has a new team of trick-riding horses, a black-and-white American Paint horse named Dippity and a sorrel-and-white American Paint named Duh Huh. She will perform the popular Roman riding again this year, taking both horses over flaming jumps, as well as other daredevil tricks, he said.
Pork Chop has gotten belly laughs from the crowds on many occasions over the past eight years he's worked on and off with Hedrick Rodeo Company. The 4-foot-tall corpulent clown has been in Statesboro for past rodeos and has new acts this year, Hedrick said.
"He does a good job for us," he said.
The rodeo, sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association, draws contestants from all over the world, including many champions, but local riders are encouraged to enter as well to compete in barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping and more.
There are fun events, too - a steer-dressing contest, a calf scramble for children and a gold rush. There also will be a bungee jump, pony rides, Party Harbor inflatables and possibly a mechanical bull, Anderson said.
Food vendors including the Back Porch Grill will be on hand to offer everything from burgers to boiled peanuts, and others such as Sadie's Hats will sell Western attire, accessories and other fun souvenirs, he said.
Both Hedrick Rodeo Company and the Statesboro Kiwanis Club pride themselves on providing quality family entertainment where "you don't have to worry about what kids see and hear," Hedrick said.
"I don't care what age you are, you're going to find something you enjoy," he said.
Hedrick also takes pride in the cattle and bucking horses he raises. Many people watching the rodeo don't know that bucking horses are bred to buck and enjoy their jobs, he said. He plans to bring cattle and horses to Statesboro that have won many awards in rodeos all over the country.
Contestants who wish to enter the rodeo may call Hedrick at (865) 556-9154 on call-in day April 6. Also, all local horseback riders are invited to join in the fun with the opening parade around the arena each night, he said.
Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.