Jeff Slaton of Diamond Cross Rodeo reported the Sept. 11 rodeo set for the Dublin City Park Arena promises to offer some big fun.
Diamond Cross is hosting a Hamilton event this weekend with 471 registered contestants, and Slaton expects to see a high level of support here as well. “If we get half that, there’s going to be a lot of diesel sold and food sold.”
“Community support [from Dublin] has been really good,” said Slaton. “People are really happy to see the rodeo back. We’re excited to be there.”
The United Pro Rodeo sanctioned event includes bareback saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping and calf roping events.
Slaton said Diamond Cross organizes ‘solid’ bucking bulls and horses that will give riders a challenge.
The evening starts with mutton bustin’ (for kids 8 and under), which Slaton reports is easily as popular as the bucking events. Registration will start at 6 p.m. with the event starting at 7 p.m. Entries are limited with a $20 entry fee.
The night will also begin with Dublin first responders carrying the colors in honor of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 and Dublin’s recognized First Responder Day.
Dublin FFA is also coordinating on a calf scramble and vendors will be offering some good food for participants and spectators.
Chase Nolan, who has been nominated as clown of the year from the UPRCA, will also be onhand to entertain.
Slaton said the rodeo will feature a Friday night slack event with free admittance and concessions available for the crowd leading into the Saturday activities.
Plans are for the event to raise funds that will go back into the community. For the past five years, Diamond Cross has put $20,000 into the Glen Rose community through scholarships with funds raised during rodeos there.
“We like to support our local FFA chapters when we come to town,” said Slaton.
Slaton reported that Diamond Cross has been in the rodeo business for 15 years and has credits that include large San Antonio events. Following the COVID pandemic, Slaton said there has been a push to bring rodeos back to small towns and Dublin seemed like the perfect place with its rich history and the presence of the Rodeo Heritage Museum.
He also praised the work Cody McClinton has put into rebuilding the City Park Arena by maintaining it and holding weekly and community events since he started managing it.
Slaton also said Diamond Cross intends to build a relationship and turn the event into an annual attraction.
“We feel like it’s going to be a win/win for Dublin and the kids,” he said. “We intend for people to leave Saturday night asking, ‘When’s next year’s rodeo?’”
For more information, visit the Diamond Cross facebook page.