The Madill Round-Up Club is gearing up for their 77 th annual rodeo on August 18 and August 19.
The Madill Round-Up Club is the longest running community event for Marshall County. Club members participate in various parades and fundraisers. The fundraisers help offer scholarships to Madill and Kingston graduates.
Their facility has been used for the annual FFA rodeo, playdays, junior rodeos, meeting venues and so much more. The concession stand will be manned and operated nightly by the local firefighters and their families and volunteers.
This year’s rodeo will have something for everyone… Mutton bustin, calf scramble and junior barrels for the young ones; barrels and break-away roping for the ladies; timed events for the cowboys – and, of course, everyone’s favorite rough stock. Walter Bruce Bigger, an executive board member, said the community is what has helped the event reach it’s 77 th year.
“The sponsors of the rodeo make it possible for us to do what we love,” said Bigger. “Without them, and community support, our rodeo would fade away like the latest fads.”
Mutton bustin’ will begin at 7:00 p.m. with regular rodeo events starting at 8:00 p.m. each evening. The rodeo parade will be Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Lineup for the parade will be in WilliamRayCityPark.Longtime club member, Shelly McClendon said the parade is one of the highlights for the young and the old.
“The parade route holds a lot of meaning to the riders. The route takes us through the actual parking lot of Brookside Nursing Home. The residents at the nursing home set outside as the entourage greets each of them with a big howdy and a wave!” said McClendon. “To see the smiles on their faces is priceless – and it gives the young people in the parade the opportunity to see what a huge difference a small gesture can make.”
Also, Saturday night, following the rodeo, will be the annual Cornhole Tournament. Funds raised from the event go to the local fire department, as well. Misty Cook, royalty coordinator said she hopes that many organizations and community members get involved.
“There is so much more than just a yearly rodeo,” Cook said. “We would love to haveanyoneinterestedinour organization to come join us.”
Royalty candidates are selling chances on a 16’ utility trailer that will be given away at the rodeo on Saturday night. Chances are $5.00 each. The candidate with the most money turned in will reign as the Madill Round-Up Club Royalty 2023-2024. All candidates will receive a portion of their sales along with other donated items.
During COVID, the club knew changes had to be madesoeveryonecouldafford family entertainment during hard times. Then president, Casey Cook, presented his idea of not charging entry into the rodeo.
Itwasahugesuccess.That started a new tradition which still runs today. Casey said helping the community enjoy the rodeo was crucial.
“Making it affordable for everyone to come and enjoy themselves is just another commitment to our community,” said Casey. “Of course, the club has expenses just like everyone, so a $10.00 parking donation is always appreciated. This helps offset the cost of our utilities, facility updates and random expenses through the year.”
Todd Cook, club president and Flying C owner, sums it up well when he gave his hopes for this year’s event.
“We are ready to put on our best performance,” Todd said. “We hope to see a full parking lot, a busy concession standandstandspackedwith family and friends. Dust off your boots, get your trailer chances and we will see you August 18 and 19 . ”