1st Annual Natchez Valley Rodeo is a Big Success

The Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo was a great success in spite of the rain last weekend. An estimated 3,000 people attended the two-day event, which was a great crowd for a first-time event. The rodeo was held on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, at the Wayne County Ag Center.

There were 150 people signed up to compete, including one from Canada. World professionals came here to the Natchez Valley to compete for points and the coveted Natchez Valley belt buckle.

Million Dollar Cowboy Justin Thigpen and Announcer of the Year Matt McGee from T&T Rodeo Productions spearheaded the action with their expertise to keep the crowd entertained. The Youngest Bullfighter in the World, Slade Thigpen, drew many laughs from the audience.

Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, and even more license plates were spotted in the parking lot at the rodeo, along with plates from several counties in Tennessee.

Despite the rain that tried its best to dampen the crowd and the mood, people still came out with their umbrellas to enjoy the show. It was a muddy mess indeed, but after all, what’s a rodeo without a little mud?

The inaugural Natchez Valley Rodeo, presented by the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, was truly a success. People were helping others who were stuck in the mud and helped them through the mud to get to the bleachers. The vendors were incredibly busy as well.

“This event really brought our communities together,” said Christine Chapman, Executive Director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. “This WILL be an annual event!”

Event planners say that they plan to expand the rodeo a little bit every year to continue to make it as successful as possible. Hang onto those cowboy boots, the rodeo will be back next year!