“Rodeo’s coming back to Dublin,” announced Jeff Slaton of Diamond Cross Rodeo.
Plans are underway for a Sept. 11 United Pro Rodeo sanctioned event at the Dublin City Park Arena including bareback saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping and calf roping events.
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.
More announcements will be coming on the Diamond Cross facebook page and in the Citizen.