The Dublin community is invited to join the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Lilly G Arena Productions at the Corner Lot on Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a funfilled ribbon cutting event in advance of an open bull riding spectacular at the Dublin City Park Arena.
Guests at the corner lot can get free hot dogs, meet and greet Cowbelle Jaggars, rodeo clowns, the Miss Dublin royalty and Lilly G Royalty including Miss Lilly G Kady McCleary.
Also up for a meet and greet are the Lilly G Silver Hags, an entertaining and inspiring group of women who found successes after overcoming obstacles in their lives.
Hunter Hamilton will also be on site with his mechanical barrel, Zebalicious. Donations will be taken for photo opportunities with Zebalicious with proceeds benefiting the Lilly G royalty scholarship fund.
Despite the ribbon cutting, Lilly G is not new to the area.
“I’ve been here for almost 20 years,” said organizer Rick Taylor. “We’ve done events at the [Dublin arena] over the years including play days, cook-offs and concerts.”
Following health issues and reorganization, Lilly G has ‘slowed down’ and shifted focus but they continue to be active, hosting events for Children’s Miracle Network and an annual event at Tarleton every February called ‘Simply Dangerous.’
The ribbon cutting is being held in conjunction with Monta de Toros, an open bull riding event at Dublin City Park Arena, scheduled for Saturday, May 6. The event is being sponsored by Waste Connections with bulls provided by Rockin 7 Productions.
Gates will open at noon with riding starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 each with kids 8 and under entering free.
That $12 offers access to a great show with Comanche’s Glenn Murray providing lively commentary and halftime entertainment by professional rodeo clown Jeff “Jackrabbit” Harris.
Fredricksburg bullfighter Alfredo Dugue is joining Philip Pierce and Colton Gray in the ring for some bull fight action.
Vendors and concessions will also be on hand offering all sorts of treats.
A chili cookoff will be held in conjunction with the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $250 added in for prizes.
Those attending can know they’re supporting a great cause, as a portion of proceeds will benefit the Transformation Pathway Dublin Christian Women’s Job Corps Ministry.
“We are not a nonprofit, but everything we do, we do for charity,” said Taylor.
Taylor is hoping for a fun, family friendly event to bring some life to the Dublin Arena.
“We’d like to do other things out here,” said Taylor. “I’d like to do [a rodeo] at St. Patrick’s Day in conjunction with the festival.”
Spots are still open for vendors and the chili cookoff at Monta de Toros. For more information, call or text (254) 459-0141.