Get ready to kick up some dust, as Marion’s 28th annual Rodeo charges into town this weekend, June 16th and 17th. With roots stretching back to 1995, this cherished Perry County tradition continues to serve as a beacon of community spirit and resilience, having withstood times of prosperity and adversity alike, including the pandemic of 2020. Every year, in the middle of June, the spectacle draws in locals from Marion and neighboring counties, as well as places farther flung, eager to enjoy a display of cowboy and cowgirl prowess. Brace yourselves for the 2023 Marion Rodeo.
The excitement gets underway on Friday. Each night, as the clock strikes 6 p.m., spectators will be welcomed through the gates, leading up to the Mutton Bustin’ event at 6:30 PM. The main event, the Rodeo itself, will start at 7:30 p.m. Featured rodeo events and exhibitions will include: bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, Saddle Bronc riding, Break-Away, barrel racing, and bull riding.
The Rodeo receives professional co-sanctioning and is meticulously crafted by the 3-R Rodeo Company hailing from Jemison, Alabama. In the spirit of community support, all the event’s proceeds will be directed to the Perry County Fire Association’s Crisis Fund. Entry tickets are priced at $15.00, while kids aged 5 & under are admitted free.
The proceeds from the event form a vital lifeline for the Crisis Fund managed by the Perry County Fire Association. This fund is a lifeline for the twelve Perry County Volunteer Fire Departments, namely Marion, Uniontown, Sprott, Suttle, Hamburg, Heiburger, East Perry, West Perry, North Perry, Oakmulgee Creek, Perry County, Pinetucky, and Vaiden Field. The fund was conceived years ago, and to ensure its sustainability, the decision was made to dedicate the Rodeo proceeds to it. Attendees can look forward to an array of food stands, vendors, and plenty of captivating entertainment suited to all age groups.
