This weekend will offer a time of remembrance and rodeo fun as the Diamond Cross Rodeo returns for its third consecutive year on Friday, Sept. 8-Saturday, Sept. 9 with 200 contestants entered into the event. Awardwinning rodeo clown Chase Nolen will also be in the ring to add to the entertainment.
“Every event should be full,” said Diamond Cross’ Jeff Slaton of the Saturday night rodeo and Friday night slack event, both starting at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday evening will begin with mutton bustin’ sign-up at 6 p.m. and the kids (8 and under) hitting the dirt at 7 p.m. Entry into the mutton bustin’ competition is $20 cash with cash prizes awarded to first and second place.
The rodeo promises exciting action such as bareback saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping and calf roping events as well as mutton bustin’ and the FFA calf scramble.
Tickets are $15 at the gate for Saturday while entry into the slack event Friday night is free. (Kids 8 and under enter for free on Saturday as well.)
No outside food or drink will be allowed but concessions will be sold on-site with vendors able to take credit card payments.
The Saturday rodeo will also include a 9-11 tribute to honor first responders at the Saturday night event. The recognition is expected to include as many Dublin and Erath County first responders as possible.
“It will be a fitting tribute in recognition of those that keep us safe,” said Slaton. Monday, Sept. 11 is also dedicated as First Responder Day and Patriots Day throughout the nation on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Slaton reported Diamond Cross is continuing the benefits to the Dublin community with the $2,500 FFA Calf Scramble which provided scholarships to graduating seniors this spring, as well as two additional scholarships— one for a college bound student and another for a student heading to a trade school that benefits the rural lifestyle.
“It can be anything from a welder to a diesel mechanic,” Slaton said of the viable career paths. “It could even be an EMT.”
The event, sanctioned by United Pro Rodeo Association and Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, is being sponsored by McCoy’s Building Supply and Triple Crown Ford/ Lincoln. Slaton expects a good showing since the rodeo coincides with the end of the UPRA season and will be a good chance to up their points as the season winds down.