PRAYER SERVICE? No, it’s a group of Woodford County farmers installing the permanent bleachers for the first Farm Bureau Rodeo in 2023, which has served to be a great benefit to the county as the space can now be used for other events while providing seating. Jeremy Dotson, president of the Woodford County Farm Bureau, is second from left, kneeling. (Photo provided by Woodford County Farm Bureau)
By Scott White
Woodford Sun Staff
Report for America corps member
A little more than four years ago, Woodford County Farm Bureau President Jeremy Dotson was attending a rodeo in Georgetown with some friends when Kathy Popp asked, “Why can’t we do something like this in Versailles?”
From what many would take as a throwaway comment, Dotson instead said, “Let’s see what we can do.” He then proceeded to make it happen. For folks who know him, this was no surprise. Because instead of commissioning a feasibility study or a market survey or a deep-dive analysis into the world of rodeos, Dotson thought it was a good fit for the Farm Bureau with its focus on agricultural issues, youth development and a desire to re-engage the organization in the civic life of the county.
Thanks to the Farm Bureau and the hard work of Dotson, the farm members and a whole lot of sweat and sore muscles, the Fourth Annual Farm Bureau Rodeo will be held this Friday and Saturday nights at the outdoor arena at the Woodford County Park at 6 p.m.
Woodford County Park, owned by the county, already had a show arena that would work. So, Dotson reached out to the Woodford County Fair Board, which supported the idea but pointed out there were no bleachers.
Dotson next learned that the Woodford County Fiscal Court had some money set aside, about $25,000, for bleachers, but more was needed—plus the cost of installation, which would not be cheap. And, the Fair Board and county were only willing to agree if the bleachers were permanent, not temporary.
Dotson went to work. In addition to the county’s contribution, he lined up support from the Farm Bureau board, the Woodford County Soil Conservation District, the Woodford County Agricultural Development Fund (which put in $50,000) and the Tourism Commission. He secured materials and labor donations from C& R Construction, R.W. Hicks and Brookstown Farm, and Al Oakland’s rock and hauling business.
Dotson also determined that putting on the rodeo, including preparing the outdoor arena and bleachers, would cost about $250,000.
So, the bleachers were purchased and the work scheduled. To save nearly $125,000, Dotson said, “Just about every farmer in the county showed up to set them up. It took us about three tries before we figured out what was wrong . . . it was a heck of an ordeal.”
But he had one more problem—where to get the actual rodeo, given the costs of bringing a full-scale rodeo to Woodford County would significantly increase the funds needed to be raised. That was Dotson’s other “aha” moment. The answer was the Kentucky High School Rodeo Association.
The association’s executive director told Dotson it would never work, that high school rodeos did not attract fans or spectators other than the kids’ families. “I said, ‘Well, let’s try it one year and see what happens,’” Dotson argued. The association agreed, and now the Woodford County Rodeo is the largest rodeo on its circuit, and it has proven to draw large crowds.
“The first year was a huge success; we raised over $40,000,” Dotson noted with pride. “We showed the Farm Bureau and Woodford County could pull it off, and we’ve done it now for three straight years.”
The entertainment and tourism benefits for the county are obvious. Less so is what it has meant for the youth of Woodford County.
In its three years, the Farm Bureau has raised and given away $200,000 . . . funding scholarships and the “Invest in Kids” program, which helps fund 4-H and Woodford County High School FFA Chapter projects.
“And it’s not just been agriculture; we’ve used the funds, which are kept in a dedicated account, to support other kid-oriented programs,” he said. And further, Dotson noted, “The bleachers and well-graded arena have totally changed the look of (Woodford County) Park, which can be used for lots of things and activities.”
One more thing—the rodeo has done so well that the Farm Bureau paid off the $25,000 investment of the Fiscal Court within two years, so those funds could be used for other needs in the county.
The annual rodeo, sponsored by the Woodford County Farm Bureau, has become the gift that keeps giving to the community . . . great family entertainment at the end of summer, which spins off dollars used for youth activities and programs while keeping nothing for itself.
So, what’s new this year? Beyond the rodeo with barrel racing, saddle bronco bustin’, team roping, bull riding, Mutton Bustin’ kids contests, family fun, a celebration of Woodford County agriculture, an all-comers rodeo dance, and some of the best food concessions you will ever eat—the Farm Bureau has built a homemade ice cream machine. Can you say “rodeo dessert?”
As the Farm Bureau put it on its Facebook page, “Here’s your game plan: wear your boots, grab your cowboy hat, bring your camera, bring your family and friends and get ready to cheer loud!”
See you this weekend, pardner.