Franklin Rodeo Begins Thursday

FRANKLIN, TN — For the 68th year, the rodeo hits Franklin Thursday for three days of bucking broncos, brazen bulls, calf-roping cowboys and barrel-racing cowgirls.

Williamson County's longest-running annual event and one of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi, the rodeo begins Thursday at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center.

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Sponsored by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, the rodeo benefits local non-profits and community groups.

Rodeo organizers plan for more than 400 cowboys from across the country to participate. Last year, the rodeo awarded more than $60,000 in prizes.

Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7. Seven events — bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing — plus mutton busting and calf scramble for the kids are featured nightly.

Visit the Franklin Rodeo web site for tickets and more details.

Image via Wikimedia Commons user Arthur Mouratidis, used under Creative Commons