Folks in Limestone County saddled up for a good cause Saturday night. The 42nd annual Sheriff's Rodeo returned to the arena off Highway 99 in Athens.
The rain cleared out just in time for several brave bull riders to test their luck in the ring.
All proceeds from the two-night event go directly toward helping the sheriff's office buy new equipment.
That's something Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin says makes everyone a winner!
"It's a fun thing for the community, it's a fun thing for us, and it's a great fundraiser to help, like I said, to buy equipment, protect our community and protect our officers," McLaughlin said.
He's never heard a bad review, and knows folks who live for this rodeo. He says they never miss it.
"When the mud starts flying, people have a lot of fun," McLaughlin said.
And, once a year, brave bull riders like Landan Wood are thrilled to risk it all to lend a helping hand.
"You have the adrenaline rush," Wood explained, "But, the bull had a little bit more power than I was expecting."
Wood has a heart for riding, but all good riders face setbacks. That rush of adrenaline couldn't stop him from breaking his nose Friday night.
Going through an accident like that makes many think, why risk it?
Well, Wood says he lives to ride, but also finds joy in helping a good cause. And to him, that's more than enough motivation to get back up and grab the bull by the horns.
"It makes me feel good," Wood continued. "I'm able to help someone out."
McLaughlin says they're still counting up how much money they've raised.
However, he says in years past, they've brought in anywhere from $75,000 to $120,000.
The rain cleared just in time for the 42nd Annual Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo!
