The Rodeo Returns for a Good Cause

Words & Images by Justin Hunter 

For two nights, August 6 and 7, the old Jasper Airport turned into the Field of Dreams. Real cowboys and cowgirls from all over Alabama competed to boost their standing in the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association (SPRA). Each contestant was pitting themselves against both horse and bull, in hopes of making the SPRA finals in “Cowboy Town”; that is, Davie, Florida. The pro rodeo had finally returned to Jasper after a brief hiatus. 

About 5000 rodeo fans of all ages sat on steel bleachers to watch the events, including bareback/ saddle bronc riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, cowgirl barrel racing, and bull riding. 

The Walker County Constable Association (WCCA) hosted the event as a fundraiser for their community fund with the help of the Double Creek Rodeo Company. WCCA President Larry Odom and Constable Raymond Pugh spearheaded the event. 

“Our office was pitched the idea of the rodeo as a potential fundraising option earlier this year, and we got to work,” said Odom. “We put together the event together in a month and a half. We also reached out to local sponsors and vendors to help put on the rodeo because we wanted to highlight local businesses.” 

WCCA has worked with Walker County District Attorney Bill Adair’s office for several years as Christmas sponsors for children who have been victims of or witnesses to violent crimes. Last year, they expanded their efforts to include gifts for local nursing home residents with no family members, less fortunate families, or absent families.

“It’s not about how much you sell. It’s about the friends that you make and the camaraderie you have at the event,” said Debbie Tittle, the current owner of Handley’s Western Wear and Shoe Repair, a local business which has been serving Walker County for 40 years.  

Tittle also noticed a surge of new customers visiting her store on Highway 195 after the rodeo. 

“Being a western store owner, I used to sell advertainment for the local radio station, but nothing brings people into the store like meeting and greeting folks at the rodeo,” she says. 

“Next year, we want to put on another excellent show for the community,” added Odom. “We also want to grow the rodeo in hopes of building up our community fund so that we can expand on those giving programs to provide more services for the Walker County community.”

So, if you’ve never been to the rodeo before or you missed this year’s event, keep your eyes peeled for the 2022 Walker County Constable Association Pro Rodeo. Your attendance will put gifts underneath Christmas trees all over the county.

List of Sponsors and Vendors: Carol Cannon of Jasper, Scott Crump Toyota, N&N Meats, Modern Woodman of America, Timberline Homes of Jasper, Woodman Life of Jasper, Handley’s Western Wear, and Big G BBQ Smokehouse.